10 Hard Hitting Lesser Known Facts About Mental Health

I came across some very useful information through WHO (World Health Organisation) which I would like to compile for my readers here in this blog. Trust me the facts and figures we will be reading ahead are heart-aching and it shows the true mirror of the ignorant society we live in.

There is a lot of stigma attached to mental illness and seeking medical help is perceived as a sign of insanity, but the way we are progressing, very soon we will see a drift in all the facts and figures. So why not take timely responsibility for our actions and be an active listener, self-introspect and take care of our mental health and of the people around us.

10 Facts about Mental Health

These facts are the real data from the WHO. The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with International Public Health.

Fact 1

20% of children and adolescents have mental disorders worldwide.

About half of the mental disorders begin before the age of 14. Similar types of disorders are being reported across cultures. Neuropsychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of worldwide disability in young people. Yet, regions of the world with the highest percentage of population under the age of 19 have the poorest level of mental health resources. Most low- and middle-income countries have only one child psychiatrist for every 1 to 4 million people.

Fact 2

Mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide

About 23% of all years lost because of disability is caused by mental and substance use disorders.

Fact 3

About 800,000 people die of suicide every year

Over 800 000 people die due to suicide every year and suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. There are indications that for each adult who died of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. 75% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Mental disorders and harmful use of alcohol contribute to many suicides around the world. Early identification and effective management are key to ensuring that people receive the care they need.

Fact 4

War and disasters have a large impact on mental health and psychosocial well-being

Rates of mental disorder tend to double after an emergency or a situation of war.

Fact 5

Mental disorders are important risk factors for other diseases, as well as unintentional and intentional injury

Mental disorders increase the risk of getting ill from other diseases such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and vice-versa.

Fact 6

Stigma and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care

Misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental ill-health are widespread. Despite the existence of effective treatments for mental disorders, there is a belief that they are untreatable or that people with mental disorders are difficult, not intelligent, or incapable of making decisions. This stigma can lead to abuse, rejection, and isolation and exclude people from health care or support. Within the health system, people are too often treated in institutions that resemble human warehouses rather than places of healing.

Fact 7

Human rights violations of people with mental and psychosocial disability 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.

Fact 8

Globally, there is huge inequity in the distribution of skilled human resources for mental health

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.

Fact 9

There are 5 key barriers to increasing mental health services availability

In order to increase the availability of mental health services, there are 5 key barriers that need to be overcome:

• The absence of mental health from the public health agenda and the implications for funding
• The current organisation of mental health services
• Lack of integration within primary care
• Inadequate human resources for mental health
• Lack of public mental health leadership.

Fact 10

Financial resources to increase services are relatively modest

Governments, donors and groups representing mental health service users 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 capita per year in low-income countries and US$ 3-4 in lower-middle-income countries.

How we can contribute as a society to raise awareness?

• By providing a safe and comfortable space for people to talk
• By busting myths like men can’t be emotional or stressed
• By owning our emotions and taking immediate actions
• By educating ourselves

These were some basic facts about mental health which we can understand and take help to spread awareness. We talk a lot about being happy and well-equipped but miss the basic essentialities of our life. We cease to exist the day we cease to practice humanity. Stay human now, today and every day.

Be present. Be there and be aware because mental health is as important as physical health. Take Care.

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