Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences, such as trauma or abuse, and family history of mental health problems.
Mental health disorders are among the most common health conditions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Currently, around 450 million people suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. Treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Stigma, discrimination, and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders.
There are various types of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. Depression is a common mental disorder and one of the main causes of disability worldwide. More severe conditions like schizophrenia affect a person's ability to distinguish reality. It typically manifests as hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior. Understanding these disorders and their complexities is crucial in fostering better acceptance and support systems for individuals affected.
Promoting mental health doesn't just involve treating existing conditions but also ensuring various preventive measures. Regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are critical components that can improve one's mental health. Community support and awareness programs can also play a significant role in preventing mental health disorders and reducing the Stigma associated with them. The Resilience of individuals and communities in addressing mental health challenges plays a pivotal role in the broader spectrum of health promotion. Effective mental health promotion could lead to a decrease in various social issues such as Homelessness and SubstanceAbuse, making mental health care a vital public concern.