World Health Day and Mental Health: No Health without Mental Health
Do you give mental health the same priority as your physical health and why mental health should be a priority for overall well-being?
Wait, wait, wait! Why we are talking about mental health today only, this is the subject of around the year, right? Yes, I totally agree with you, however, as we are gearing up to celebrate World Health Day, emphasizing mental health is worthwhile.
Because there is “No Health without Mental Health” (World Mental Health Report, 2022 by WHO).
In this article, we will talk about the importance of mental health and strategies for promoting better mental health outcomes on World Health Day 2023.
1. Introduction about No Health without Mental Health:
It is generally seen or believed that in our society or world, physical health is more important than mental health. One of the reasons for such belief is that the outcome or result of physical health issues can be seen/felt easily and early not only by the individual but also by friends and society.
Does the above reason more than enough to give a priority to physical health? But why Who is saying No Health without Mental Health ad how mental health relates with physical health?
I believe the answer to these questions are not so straightforward and we will try to explore it by pinpointing several aspects of it.
1.1 What is World Health Day:
World Health Day is a dedicated day which is celebrated each year on the 7th of April to create awareness about global health concerns and encourage the wellness of people all over the world.
If you would like to know more about World Health Day, its theme, history etc, then click on the given link to access our dedicated post on this topic.
Even though physical health usually gets more attention on this special day, we must not forget that mental health is equally important for our overall well-being. In reality, mental and physical health are closely connected, and ignoring one can lead to severe problems for the other.
On this World Health Day, let’s give importance to our mental health and try to remove the shame associated with mental illness.
2. Why Mental Health Is Important
2.1 Why Mental Health is Essential to Well-Being
Mental health is a lot more than the absence of illness and just as important as physical health. Good mental health allows us to:
- Enjoy life and feel a sense of fulfilment;
- Build and maintain healthy relationships;
- Cope with the challenges and stressors of daily life;
- Contribute to our communities in meaningful ways;
- Conversely, poor mental health can have serious consequences for our physical health, relationships, and ability to function in our daily lives. Depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of disability worldwide which are Mental health disorders.
2.2 Effects on Society
Mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. If we do not take care of our mental health, issues then it can cause problems for us and the people around us. For example, people with mental health problems may have a hard time at work or school. They may also need more help from colleagues and healthcare professionals.
2.3 Mental Health at Work
Mental health is important at work, too. If people don’t feel good mentally, they may not be able to do their best work. This may lead to reduced efficiency, increased absenteeism, and higher staff turnover rates
Employers should try to make the workplace a place where people feel supported and happy. It is pertinent to mention here that there are many employers which have policies on mental health and provide support and care as and when needed.
2.4 Mental Health in Kids and Teens
Mental health is especially important in children and teenagers. We need to help them to recognize the problems as early as possible, intervene and prevent the development of more severe mental health issues later in life.
In addition to parents and family members, schools should teach kids about mental health and help them when they need it.
3. World Health Day and Mental Health
This year while celebrating World Health Day with the theme “Health for All”; let’s draw the attention of everyone and let them think about mental health. Let people engage in dialogue and learn more about mental health as well as help others who have problems.
4. Mental Health Statistics
4.1 Global Overview
According to the World Health Organization report, 1 in 4 people will have a mental health problem at some time in their life and 1 in 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder (World Mental Health Report, 2022 by WHO).
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, a staggering 75% of those affected in low- and middle-income countries do not receive proper treatment.
4.2 Insights of USA Statistics:
As per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report, mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
- More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
- 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
- 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
4.3 Insights of India Statistics:
In India, many people have mental health problems, like anxiety and depression. However, everyone does not get the required help to feel better.
According to National Health Mission, approximately 6-7 % of the population suffers from mental disorders which is quite a large number.
5. Recognizing Mental Health Issues
5.1 Common Signs and Symptoms:
Recognizing the signs of mental health issues is essential for early intervention. Some common symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness (feeling sad or worried all the time), anxiety, irritability, changes in sleep and appetite (not sleeping or eating well), and withdrawal from social activities (not participating or does not like anymore to be with friends or family).
5.2 Mental Health Disorders
There are many different mental health problems, like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you believe that you are having mental health issues, then you should talk to a doctor or therapist who can help you. Because each disorder has its own set of symptoms and treatment options.
6. The Importance of Early Intervention
It’s very important to get help for mental health problems as soon as you notice them. If you get help early, you can feel better faster and avoid bigger problems later on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and take care of yourself.
7. Mental Health and Stigma
7.1 Fighting Stigma or Breaking the Stigma
Sadly, some people think that having a mental health problem is something to be ashamed of. This can make it hard for people to ask for help. But we can fight this by talking about mental health openly and sharing our own experiences.
7.2 Encouraging Open Talk or Open Dialogue:
When we talk about mental health openly, it helps people feel more comfortable talking about their own problems. Everyone like schools, workplaces, and communities etc. can help make it easier to talk about mental health.
8. How to Take Action
8.1 Caring for Yourself
It’s important to take care of your own mental health. Some things you can do are exercise, eat well, sleep enough, practice mindfulness, and make time for hobbies and relaxation.
8.2 The Power of Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It’s important for us to practice empathy when dealing with mental health issues, as it helps us connect with others on a deeper level.
By putting ourselves in their shoes, we can better understand the challenges they face and provide the support they need.
8.3 The Role of Family and Friends
Family and friends play a vital role in the lives of those who are struggling with mental health issues. Their love, understanding, and encouragement can make all the difference in the world.
Let’s make a conscious effort to be there for our loved ones, offering a safe space for them to open up about their feelings and challenges.
8.4 Getting Help
If you or someone you know has mental health issues, it’s important to get help from a professional. A therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can provide guidance, support, and treatment options specific to your needs.
8.5 Helping Others
You can also help others who have mental health problems by listening to them, supporting them, and helping them find resources.
9. Mental Health Support
Each country, region, district, village etc. will have a different group and helpline thus it is very difficult to give those details here. However, please check our FAQ section (Question no. 15) where you can get details for India and Worldwide important sources for help and other details on mental health.
9.1 Online Resources
There are many websites that can help you learn about mental health and find support. These websites have information, forums, and blogs where you can talk to others who have the same problems.
9.2 Mobile Apps
There are also apps you can use on your phone to help with your mental health. These apps can help you track your mood, practice mindfulness, and learn new ways to feel better.
Below are the few mobile Apps in India which offer help with mental health issues. This list is to just provide information to our readers so that they can get/offer help as and when needed.
- YourDOST
- Practo
- 1mg
- Wysa
Note: Please note that the HSEC Awareness website does not endorse the usage or correctness of these mobile Apps or does not have any direct /indirect link with these.
9.3 Local Services
In your community, there may be places where you can get help for mental health problems. Some of these places are support groups, therapy clinics, and help hotlines.
9.4 Need for Mental Health Education
It’s important for everyone to learn about mental health and mental health education plays a crucial role in it. By integrating mental health education into school curriculums and workplace training programs, we can create a more empathetic and informed society.
If we teach people about mental health, they will understand it better and be more likely to get help when they need it.
9.5 Mental Health Advocacy
Advocacy plays a significant role in promoting mental health awareness and ensuring access to resources and support.
People who fight for better mental health care and support are called advocates and this can be anyone. We all should work to make sure everyone surrounding us get the help they need to feel better.
10. Conclusion
World Health Day is a chance for us to think about mental health and how important it is. By learning about mental health and helping others, we can make a big difference in the lives of people who have mental health problems.
FAQs or Frequently Asked Question
Q1: What is World Health Day?
Ans1: World Health Day is a dedicated day which is celebrated each year on the 7th of April to create awareness about global health concerns and encourage the wellness of people all over the world.
Q2: Why is mental health important?
Ans2: Mental health is important because it affects how we feel, think, and act. Good mental health helps us live better lives.
Q3: What are some common mental health issues?
Ans3: Some common mental health problems are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
Q4: How can I help someone with a mental health problem?
Ans4: To help someone with a mental health problem, you can listen to them, support them, and assist them to seek professional help if necessary.
Q5: How can I take care of my own mental health?
Ans5: To take care of your own mental health, practice self-care strategies like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Q6: How can empathy help with mental health support?
Ans6: Empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, making it easier for us to provide the support and understanding they need during their mental health journey.
Q7: Why is it important to talk openly about mental health?
Ans7: Talking openly about mental health helps to break down stigma, encourages people to seek help, and creates a more supportive environment for those who are struggling.
Q8: What can I do to help create a supportive environment for people with mental health issues?
Ans8: You can help create a supportive environment by being understanding, offering a listening ear, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
Q9: How can communities come together to support mental health?
Ans9: Communities can come together by organizing support groups, mental health awareness events, and advocating for better mental health policies and resources.
Q10: What can schools do to support mental health?
Ans10: Schools can support mental health by incorporating mental health education into their curriculum, providing counselling services, and creating a safe and supportive environment for students to discuss their feelings and concerns.
Q11: How can I encourage someone to seek help for their mental health?
Ans11: Encourage someone to seek help by listening to them, validating their feelings, offering information about available resources, and assuring them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Q12: What are some ways to break the stigma surrounding mental health?
Ans12: To break the stigma surrounding mental health, we can educate ourselves and others, share personal stories, challenge stereotypes, and promote open conversations about mental health.
Q13: How can employers support mental health in the workplace?
Ans13: Employers can support mental health by creating a positive work environment, offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and encouraging open dialogue about mental health.
Q14: What role do social media and technology play in mental health?
Ans 14: Social media and technology can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. While they can provide a platform for support and connection, excessive use and exposure to negative content can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. It’s important to use technology mindfully and maintain a balance between online and offline interactions.
Q15: What resources are there for mental health support?
Ans 15: Some resources for mental health support are websites, apps, and local services like support groups and therapy clinics. For Indian, you can get the necessary help on this platform:
Few Indian Government and /or Approved Mental Health Support:
- Manodarpan: An initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, providing a national toll-free helpline (844-844-0632) for psychological support to students, teachers, and parents. https://manodarpan.education.gov.in/
- Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA): An organization overseeing mental health policies and services in India, ensuring accessible and quality mental health care for all citizens.
- State Mental Health Authority (SMHA): Established in each state and union territory, SMHAs are responsible for implementing mental health programs and services, catering to the specific needs of their respective regions.
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS): https://nimhans.ac.in/
Global Mental Health Support
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO provides guidelines, resources, and research on mental health, assisting countries in developing mental health policies and services.
Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN): A global platform for sharing resources, research, and innovations in mental health, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange across countries.
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): A worldwide organization dedicated to suicide prevention, offering resources and support for individuals and families affected by suicide.
United for Global Mental Health: An international organization advocating for mental health policies, resources, and support systems across the globe, aiming to make mental health care accessible to all.
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My name is Brijesh Kumar and I am a freelance HSE professional, who is committed to helping organizations to cultivate a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with industry standards. With a Master’s degree, NEBOSH qualification, a mechanical engineering background and over two decades of hands-on experience, we offer tailored solutions to address your unique HSE challenges. To know more about our HSE Services, please visit the About Us or HSE Services webpage.
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