Every year, about one in every five Americans which is 43.8 million people suffers from mental disorders. These days, it is hard to publicly address mental disorders especially because several people associate them with a derogatory stereotype. With these challenges becoming more prominent, it's important that we bring mental health to the forefront of the discussion and have open dialogue around it. In addition to importance, we will discuss the definition of mental health, different mental disorders, and effects of mental health.
First of all, what is mental health? The importance of health to the country's development should not be underestimated. Health as described by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a condition of complete physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, rather than merely the absence of illness or infirmity. WHO describes mental health as "mental well-being" in which the person recognizes their own talents, can manage everyday pressures, and perform productively. It is the basis for human well-being and the effective development of a society in this productive way.
In relation to this subject is a mental illness which is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a serious disorder that has a negative impact on how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The most common example of this is the anxiety disorder which already affects 18.1% of people in America every year according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). The symptoms can be short-term or long-term where they can impair a person's capacity to interact with others and work on a daily basis.
So why is mental health important? Both mental and physical health are essential components of general well-being. Both of them are closely linked where many forms of physical health issues, including long-term conditions like stroke and heart disease are developed by mental disorders, especially depression. In the same way, the prevalence of chronic illnesses will raise the risk of mental disease. This is a serious problem and it is important to treat this immediately. If mental health is abused, it may contribute to socioeconomic issues such as unemployment, addiction, family problems, violence, and financial difficulties. Not having a healthy mind leads to a big risk of immune dysfunction. Those who already suffer from other medical illnesses and have the symptoms of depression have a worse prognosis than those who do not. From these results, it is significant to protect one’s mental health to maintain a healthy body, manage life’s pressure, contribute to society, work and communicate well, and make the most of your abilities (Medline Plus).
In the United States, mental disorders are among the most common health problems. So, how common is this health problem? The data from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states that at some point in their lives, more than half of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or condition. Also, in any given year, 1 out of every 5 Americans will suffer from a mental disorder. A severe debilitating mental illness has affected 1 out of every 5 children, either now or at some stage in their lives. A severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, affects 1 of every 25 Americans.
What are the causes of mental illness? The causes are early difficulties in life, such as trauma or a family history of abuse, experiences of other long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, usage of alcohol or drugs, feeling of isolation or limited number of friends, and genes or chemical imbalances in the brain. If someone experience one of these causes, then more likely, their mental health will suffer mental disorders. It is better to take action immediately rather than let it slide, thinking it will heal over time.
As mentioned earlier, anxiety disorder is the most common disorder of the mind. As stated in the article written in Davis Behavioral Health, people with anxiety disorders feel distressed and frequent panic and apprehension. Although many people experience these feelings, for example, during a job interview or a public speaking event (as a natural reaction to stress), people with anxiety disorders experience them often and in situations that are usually non-stressful. Another one, according to ADAA, for children between the ages of 13 and 18, 25.1 percent of children suffer from anxiety disorders. Untreated children with anxiety disorders are more likely to perform poorly in school, miss out on valuable social interactions, and indulge in drug abuse, according to research. This disorder can co-occur with other disorder like depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To avoid experiencing mental disorders and to have a healthy mind, surrounding oneself with people, being able to open up to them is one of the ways recommended. So, it is really important to take care of one’s mental health.
There are treatment methods used for treating mental disorders. For anxiety disorders, professional treatment will benefit the vast majority of people with anxiety disorders. Several tried-and-true methods have worked such as therapies, complementary and alternative treatment, and medication. These methods are used by most doctors around the world. Getting treatment for mental disorders will help not only the patient, but their family and friends as well. Living with mental illness will still be a struggle, but with the right medication, it can be much easier to handle, helping you to experience all life has to offer without your illness getting in the way.
Mental health is important. By enhancing sleeping habits, the immune system, and lowering pain levels, good mental health may also benefit physical health. Having your mental health issues addressed will help you be more productive by helping you to concentrate on everyday tasks and providing you with the ability to complete tasks on time. Mental health problems, if left untreated, can lead to academic failure, family disputes, crime, and even suicide. Families, neighborhoods, and the health-care system all pay a high price when mental health conditions go untreated. It’s a sign of courage to ask for help.