Mental health includes the psychological, emotional and the social well-being. Everyone is prone to mental disorders at any time irrespective of our social background, age or gender. It is very crucial in managing stress and the decisions we make on a daily basis. Health problems affect our behavior and thinking mood. Most of us are faced with mental problems in our lifetime while some suffer from complete mental illness.
Major causes of mental illness
- Genetic predisposition which is biological
- Trauma and other life experiences
- Family history. Some families are associated with mental illness.
However, people facing mental problems can recover or even get better. Most people having mental problems are kept in a special ward known as psychiatric ward where they are given special care and attention. Sometimes people tend to have a negative attitude to such patients which is indeed worrying. It is estimated that close to quarter of the world population suffers from different kinds of mental problems.
Mental stigma
Anxiety and depression are some of the challenges encountered by anyone at anytime. The increased levels of mental illness call for a need to create awareness to make people understand and act responsibly when dealing with such people. Change our general attitude towards mental health and reduce health stigma. The sick people are our relatives or very close to us and we should be at all time take care of them.
We should be very cautious to identify such people in the early stages to make treatment easier where possible. Doctor’s support and counseling are also vital in addressing the stigma problem.
Early signs of mental disorders include
- Sleeping or eating too little or too much
- Hiding away from people and normal activities
- Insufficient or low energy
- Unusual pains and aches
- Drug abuse such as over smoking
- Fighting or unnecessary quarrels with friends
- Extreme mood swings which adversely affect relationships
- Over thinking and confusion
- Developing a state hopelessness
- Failure to perform daily tasks
Most governments and organizations have come up with strategies for addressing mental health problems. This aimed at minimizing discrimination to the affected people.