Rising concerns about Mental Health globally. What you need to know


Mental illness affects people of different ages, race, backgrounds and religions all over the world. Like physical illnesses, mental disorders have nothing to do with a person’s character and personality, and should be taken seriously. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 1 in 4 adults in America (approximately 57.7 million Americans) experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Worldwide, WHO (World Health Organization) reports show that 450 million people suffer from mental disorders globally; 154 million suffer from depression, 91 million from alcohol use disorder, 25 million from schizophrenia,  and 15 million drug use disorder.

Mental illness can be defined as a medical condition that generally disrupts a person’s thinking and daily functioning, resulting in unusual behavior as per societal and cultural standards. While developed societies tend to be more educated about the existence and handling of this affliction, high levels of misunderstanding and lack of basic coping skill are reported in 3rd world countries. The stigma and bias experienced by victims often leaves their families feeling vulnerable and helpless. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

Like other diseases, mental disorders range from minor to severe, with over 200 forms classified as anxiety disorders (e.g. acute stress disorder, panic disorder, etc), childhood disorders (autism, ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), mood disorders (depression, etc), cognitive disorders (delirium, dementia, etc), personality disorders (e.g. paranoia, etc), substance abuse disorders (alcohol dependence, cocaine dependence, nicotine dependence, etc) and psychotics disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, etc). The most common mental problems include dementia, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Mental illness, caused by a range of factors including genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances, stress, or a combination of these, commonly results in substance abuse, withdrawal from the society, mood changes, and violent behavior. Most forms of mental disease can be treated or controlled by trained specialists and medical personnel especially when detected early. If left untreated, it generally leads to suicide, inappropriate incarceration, homelessness … overall wasted lives and unnecessary disability.

Here are some facts provided by World Health Organization (WHO).

  1. On average about 800 000 people commit suicide every year, 86% of them in low- and middle-income countries. More than half of the people who kill themselves are aged between 15 and 44. The highest suicide rates are found among men in eastern European countries. Mental disorders are one of the most prominent and treatable causes of suicide.
  2. War and other major disaster have a large impact on the mental health and psychosocial well-being. Rates of mental disorder tend to double after emergencies.
  3. Stigma about mental disorders and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care. In South Africa, a public survey showed that most people thought mental illnesses were related to either stress or a lack of willpower rather than to medical disorders. Contrary to expectations, levels of stigma were higher in urban areas and among people with higher levels of education.
  4. Human rights violations of psychiatric patients are routinely reported in most countries. These include physical restraint, seclusion and denial of basic needs and privacy. Few countries have a legal framework that adequately protects the rights of people with mental disorders.
  5. There is huge inequity in the distribution of skilled human resources for mental health across the world. Shortages of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and social workers are among the main barriers to providing treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries. Low-income countries have 0.05 psychiatrists and 0.42 nurses per 100 000 people. The rate of psychiatrists in high income countries is 170 times greater and for nurses is 70 times greater.
  6. In order to increase the availability of mental health services, there are five key barriers that need to be overcome: the absence of mental health from the public health agenda and the implications for funding; the current organization of mental health services; lack of integration within primary care; inadequate human resources for mental health; and lack of public mental health leadership.
  7. Governments, donors and groups representing mental health workers, patients and their families need to work together to increase mental health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The financial resources needed are relatively modest: US$ 2 per person per year in low-income countries and US$ 3-4 in lower middle-income countries.

The next time you encounter someone with a mental disorder, don’t judge them! Be understanding and lend a helping hand to the best of your ability.

 

—————————

Join our mailing list for your free monthly newsletter

Facebook Comments

Related Posts

Comments

Do not miss