The main goal of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness about mental health disorders and reduce stigma surrounding them. One way that this is accomplished each year is through an annual theme that focuses on a particular aspect of mental health treatment or intervention. For example, this year's theme focuses on Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.
Did you know that today, 10th October is World Mental Health Day? If you didn't, then hopefully you'll find this blog post useful. Today is a day when we should come together as a society and discuss mental health issues more openly. That's why I've come up with 10 facts you may not know regarding mental health.
Have you ever thought about how your mental health affects the rest of your body? How do depression, anxiety and other mental health problems affect the physical make up of your body? By looking at the link between mental health and physical health, it could help us learn how to improve our overall wellbeing.
Here are 10 things you should know about mental health:
1. Mental illness affects one in four people worldwide.
2. Mental disorders often start at a young age; half of all lifetime cases start by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24.
3. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 3 percent of the global population. Suicide rates are also high: 800,000 people commit suicide every year — that's one person every 40 seconds. The majority of suicides (90 percent) occur in low- and middle-income countries.
4. Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among women (18 percent), with PTSD being more common among men (10 percent). In both genders, anxiety disorders often begin during adolescence or early adulthood and can continue through adulthood.
5. It's important to be aware of the signs of mental illness in others and in yourself
6. Most people with mental illness get better over time with treatment and support from family and friends
7. There is no shame in having a mental illness or being treated for one
8. There is a need for better understanding of the causes of mental illness; early identification, prevention and treatment; and rehabilitation services for those living with mental ill-health or recovering from it
9. Mental health problems affect us all
10. Mental health is just as important as physical health; both require attention and investment if we want to see real change in society
This is a subject that is very close to my heart and I think people shouldn't be scared or ashamed to speak out. I hope you find this blog a little bit interesting and informative on this subject I think is still taboo.
Remember
The key to achieving successful management of your emotional and mental health is to remember that you are not alone. Support can come from many different sources, including family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and religious counselling. If you or someone you know is looking for support in managing their mental and emotional health, contact the World Mental Health Day website (www.wfmhday.org) for more information or resources in your area. Help is waiting.
There is a lot of places to find information about a number of topic regarding Mental Health here at https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health