What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a kind of disorder that affects our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we handle stress, make choices, and maintain relationships. It could affect all ages of life from childhood to adulthood.Â
A person with Good mental health knows their potential, works productively, and can contribute to their community and the factors that can risk your mental health conditions are poverty, violence, and inequality.
Effective treatments still exist, but most of the global mental health care remains under-resourced, and many face significant treatment gaps.People with mental health conditions often encounter discrimination, and human rights violations.
Conditions of Mental Health
Mental health conditions, or mental illnesses, are disorders that impact a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly one in five adults experience a mental illness.
Several factors contribute to the development of mental health conditions, including:
- Genetics or brain chemistry - Biological Factors
- Life experiences, like trauma or abuse
- A family history of mental health issues
Common mental health conditions include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic Disorder
- OCD
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm
- Suicide and suicidal behavior
A Serious Mental Illness (SMI) disturbs a person’s daily life and functioning. Common misconceptions are that SMIs are not due to personal choices, weaknesses, or flaws, nor can they be overcome through willpower alone.
Causes of Mental Illness
Mental illness does not have a single cause; instead, several factors can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition. These factors include:
- It could be a Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (e.g., child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence).
- Experiences of chronic medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, cancer, or diabetes.
- Biological factors, genetics problems.
- Could be consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
Impact of Mental Health
Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other risks of self-harm.
In 2019, 970 million people globally were suffering from anxiety and depression which is a most common mental disorder. Mental health conditions can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. They can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.
Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability. People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population and having a mental health condition increases the risk of suicide and experiencing human rights violations.
Mental Health Treatment
Strengthening mental health on a national level requires not only promoting the mental well-being of all individuals but also addressing the needs of people suffering from mental health conditions.
Community-based mental health care is key to this approach, as it is more accessible, acceptable, and effective than institutional care. It also reduces the risk of human rights violations and improves recovery outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions. This care should be delivered through a network of services that include:
- Mental health services integrated into general health care, such as in general hospitals and through task-sharing with non-specialist providers in primary care.
- Community mental health services, including community mental health centres, psycho-social rehabilitation, peer support, and supported living services.
- Services offering mental health care within social and non-health settings, such as child protection, school health programs, and prisons.
To close the significant care gap for common conditions like depression and anxiety, countries must adopt innovative approaches to expand mental health care, such as non-specialist counselling or digital self-help tools.
FAQ’s
What should a person do when suffering from a mental health problem?
If you’re struggling with mental health, seek support from friends or a therapist. Practice self-care, stay connected with others, and develop healthy coping strategies. Seek help if symptoms worsen.
How does mental health affect a person?
Mental health affects a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how they think, feel, and act, impacting daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Poor mental health can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, decreased productivity, and physical health problems, making it essential to prioritize mental well-being.
What causes bad mental health?
Bad mental health can be caused by genetic factors, trauma, chronic stress, substance abuse, and major life changes. Environmental influences, such as social isolation and lack of support, also play a significant role.
What is good mental health?
Good mental health is a state of well-being where individuals can cope with stress, work productively, and maintain healthy relationships. It involves emotional resilience, a positive self-image, and the ability to manage emotions effectively.