Mental Health, Impacting Lives!
What Is Mental Health?
According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community “
Per the above definition, mental health goes beyond the absence of mental disorders. It transcends emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affect the state of the mind, feelings, and behavior.
Mental Health Awareness.
Mental health awareness encompasses “understanding, acknowledging and addressing the importance of mental well-being” as a major component of one’s overall well-being. It has to be understood and given the same attention that is given to physical health.
Mental Health Awareness involves paying attention to the following key areas:
Dismantling The Stigma Attached To Mental Health Condition
Mental Health is shrouded in stigma and myth. Minds, therefore, need to be disabused of all these perceptions. Also, people should be conscientious about mental health conditions and extend empathy to the victims of the condition.
Education And Awareness Creation
Knowledge is power. When people are educated on the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, they’ll be enlightened about mental health signs and symptoms. As a result of that, they’ll be able to seek help when needed and support others who may be struggling with the condition.
Promoting Self-care
Self-care practices should be encouraged. They include activities like “exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.” Engaging oneself in these activities will contribute positively to one’s mental well-being.
Advocacy For Access To o Care
There should be policies and initiatives to increase access to mental health services by all. This will help keep mental health conditions under control.
Supporting Those In Need
Everyone should take it as his/her responsibility to empathize with mental health individuals. People should listen to them, encourage them, and connect them to the appropriate resources and.support.
Mental Disorders V Mental Health
The two terms, though interchangeable, aren’t the same. Mental health includes components of psychological well-being, such as one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Moreover, mental health can range from thriving to struggling in the spectrum.
On the other hand, mental disorders are diagnosable conditions that impact the victim’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, thus interfering with the person’s relationships and daily life.
Mental health can be enhanced by exercises, mindfulness, and social support. However, mental disorders require professional treatment and medications.
It is worth noting that not everyone with mental disorders has poor mental health. Some can live meaningful and fulfilling lives with appropriate support.
Mental health doesn’t also presuppose that one is devoid of disease.
Mental Health And Social Media
The importance and impact of Social Media on people cannot be underestimated. It has become a forum for connection, communication, and information sharing. It is like a two-edged sword. One side of it provides us with support and resources while the other side dents our mental health. Below are discussed positive and negative aspects of social media:
Positive Aspects Of Social Media
Connection And Support
Social Media has become a platform where all like-minded individuals are interconnected. Through it, individuals feel a strong sense of belongingness and cooperation to help one another cope with mental health challenges.
Information And Resources.
Thanks to Social Media, individuals can access information on mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
Advocacy And Awareness Creation.
Social Media has become a medium for awareness creation in the areas of mental illness and challenging stigma. Individuals can take advantage of social media help and support services.
Negative Aspects of Social Media for Mental Health.
Comparison and Self-Esteem
On Social Media, People are constantly exposed to curated and idealized sides of other people’s lives. This makes them feel inadequate and unworthy.
Cyberbullying and Harassment
When People are bullied and harassed online, their mental health is negatively impacted. When one is cyber bullied, s/he should report to a responsible adult.
Isolation And Loneliness
Although social media can connect people, excessive use of it can also socially isolate people and make them feel lonely. This affects their mental health.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The constant stream of updates that characterizes social media can create a sense of FOMO in users of social media. This leads to an increase in anxiety and stress.
Effects Of Mental Health.
Individuals with mental health issues, their families, and communities are all significantly impacted by Mental health problems. The effects vary according to the specific condition or its severity. The categories are discussed below:
Physical Effects.
Changes in Appetite And Sleep
People with mental health issues display symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, overeating, or loss of appetite. Such ones may need professional support.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Mental health issues can make those in their grips feel tired or lose energy.
Physical Pain.
In mental health individuals, conditions such as anxiety and depression can manifest as physical pain.
Weakened Immune System.
Mental health problems can make people susceptible to chronic stress, which can weaken their immune system and make them prone to varying degrees of illnesses.
Emotional Effects
Sadness and Hopelessness
People with mental health problems are oftentimes depressed. The depression they suffer is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Anxiety and Worry
Anxiety disorders make people with mental health problems excessively worried and live in constant fear. As a result of that, they’re easily prone to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating.
Irritability and Anger
Certain mental health conditions can cause individuals to be quick-tempered or easily irritable.
Social Withdrawal
People with mental health problems may isolate or withdraw themselves from social interactions and gatherings.
Difficulty in Concentration
Loss of concentration and focus are also symptoms of impaired mental health.
Substance Abuse
People with mental health problems may turn to substance abuse as a subterfuge for mental health problems.
Risky Behaviors
They may get involved in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving or substance abuse.
Suicidal Thoughts
In worst cases, mental health problems make people nurture suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors.
It’s noteworthy that the effects of mental health problems are exhaustive. The effects may vary according to the individual and the nature of his /her condition. It behooves those experiencing the symptoms of a mental health problem to seek professional help.
The Impact of Mental Health on Society
Poor mental health has consequences on overall well-being. When it’s overlooked, individuals, families, communities, and society at large are profoundly impacted. Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being.Yet its significance is often overlooked. The following are the key areas impacted by poor mental health.
Economic Impact
Reduced Productivity
Poor mental health conditions engender absenteeism, decreased productivity, and job loss. This results in significant economic losses for individuals, businesses, and nations.
Healthcare costs
The treatment of poor mental health is expensive. The rising cost of poor mental health treatment puts a lot of burden on healthcare systems.
Social Security Benefits
The need of individuals with mental health conditions for social security benefits puts a strain on government resources.
Social Impact
Stigma And Discrimination
Due to the stigma and discrimination meted out to Individuals with mental health conditions, they feel socially isolated, have reduced opportunities, and deteriorated lifestyle.
Family Strain
Poor mental health conditions bring emotional stress, financial strain, and relationship difficulties to families.
Criminal Justice System
Involvement In Crime
Mental health conditions can contribute to criminal behavior, leading to increased incarceration rates and associated costs.
Recidivism
When mental health conditions are untreated, there is more likelihood that Individuals with untreated mental health conditions may re-offend and further strain the criminal justice system.
Educational Impact
Academic performance
Mental health problems can negatively impact academic performance, leading to low grades, school dropouts, and limited future opportunities.
School Climate
When individuals with mental health conditions are present in schools, the overall school climate will be impacted, culminating in poor learning outcomes for all students