Do you know that world mental health day is celebrated on the 10th of October every year? Have you ever wondered why this is celebrated worldwide? Well, it is because mental health is of immense importance. Here are some statistics that verify the importance of mental awareness and mental health illness.
- Each one in a fifth of American adults experiences mental health illness
- Every four in ten American adults stated that their mental health declined due to the Covid-19 pandemic
- 54% of Americans stated that they experience stress and worry in their daily life
- Statistics state that 46% of people die due to mental illness or inpatient mental health
What Is Mental Health?
The term ‘mental health’ refers to one’s overall mental and psychological health. Our psychological, emotional, and social well-being contribute to our mental health. It has an impact on how we feel, thinks, and act. Further, it has an impact on how we deal with stress, make healthy decisions, and interact with others. Mental health is crucial throughout life, from childhood to adolescence and to adulthood.
Poor mental health and mental illness are not the same, despite the fact that often people use these terms interchangeably. A person’s mental health can be poor even without getting diagnosed with a mental illness. Similarly, a person with a mental illness can have courses of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Types Of Mental Illness
People can suffer from a variety of mental illnesses or disorders, and they frequently occur concurrently. Mental illnesses can be episodic or occur over a short period of time. This means that mental illness has distinct beginnings and endings. Mental illness can also be chronic or long-term.
There are around 200 various types of mental illnesses. Here are some of the most common types of mental illnesses and disorders.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anxiety
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Manic Depression
- Multiple Personality Disorder
- Psychological Disorders
- Dyslexia
Biological Causes Of Mental Illness
Biological issue is any physical that have a negative impact on a person’s mental health. Genetics, fetal harm, infections, exposure to toxins, brain traumas or damage, and substance abuse are examples of biological causes. Many scientists think that the biology of the brain and nervous system is what causes mental problems.
- Genetics (heredity): Studies have shown that those with a family history of mental illness may be a little more prone to experience their own condition. According to experts, many mental diseases are caused by defects in many genes rather than just one or a few, and every person’s interaction between these genes and environment is different (even identical twins).
- Infections: Some specific infections have been linked to brain damage and the development or worsening of mental illness symptoms. A condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS) caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, for example, has been linked to the development of the obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.
- Prenatal damage: Some evidence suggests disruptions in early fetal brain development or trauma at birth. Such problems include loss of oxygen to the brain, which may play a role in the development of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
- Brain defects or injury: Some mental illnesses have been linked to defects in or injury to specific areas of the brain.
What Is The Importance Of Mental Health In Present Scenario?
Mental health awareness is highly important in the present scenario for leading a happy life. People are suffering from mental illness, behavioral health, and mental disorder problems. This is most probably because of a sedentary schedule, eating more fast food, and not spending quality time with loved ones. One must learn the harmful effects of junk food and various common daily activities.
Here are some reasons that will help you understand the importance of mental health in present scenario:
- Poor mental health makes us more susceptible to physical health issues like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Nurturing our mental health can also aid in the prevention of mental illnesses.
- Good mental health allows us to have a more positive outlook on life and enjoy it more.
- When we have good mental health, we can better deal with difficult times in our lives.
- When our mental health is good, we are more creative, and we are more willing to try new things.
- Better relationships with the people in our lives are promoted by good mental health.
- Good mental health allows us to work more efficiently and effectively.
- To meaningfully contribute to our families, communities, and society, we need to be in good mental health.
- We can think more clearly when we’re in good mental health.
- When our mental health is in good shape, our moods get better and we feel better about ourselves.
Bottomline
People are affected by mental illnesses in a variety of ways. Consider taking a mental health test if you suspect you have a mental illness. This isn’t a formal diagnosis. However, it can help you start a conversation with a loved one or a mental health professional about what you’re going through.
