Ambica Kumari
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10 October every year as an opportunity to raise “awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.”This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Young people and mental health in a changing world.’
. Each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people dealing with problems concerning mental health can live better lives with dignity. The day is celebrated through ot the world for better understanding of mental health problems. From identifying the causes, pinpointing solutions, and ultimately recognizing that we are really dealing with medical issues.
World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples’ life worldwide. In some countries this day is part of an awareness week, such as Mental Health Week in Australia.Every year this day is celebrated with some theme.
The WHO explained: ‘Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. The majority of chronic and recurrent psychiatric problems which are faced by adults have their roots in adolescence. Antisocial behavior, affective disturbances, eating disorder, risk taking behavior, substance abuse and much more have their onset during this period. The habits formed during adolescence become one’s lifestyle, milestones with various long term implications for adult health.
Although mental illness is fast becoming the world’s most expensive disease-particularly because it afflicts so many young people at the beginning of their working lives-the illnesses remain both tragic and hidden. Tragic, because the rising rates of suicide in countries around the world underscore the pervasiveness of mental illnesses. And hidden, because stigma keeps people from seeking help or getting adequate treatment in rich and poor countries alike, closing doors that might otherwise be opened to people who are suffering so desperately. Furthermore, in many poor countries, care may be nonexistent or totally inadequate.Stigma is the first-and sometimes insurmountable-barrier that prevents people from getting help
For too many, lack of first-hand knowledge about mental illness coupled with inadequate support in coping with it is overwhelming. Three-quarters of those who suffer from mental illnesses develop symptoms by age 24. Yet, strikingly, only one-third of those suffering from mental illness worldwide receive treatment. Lack of treatment, in turn, also often leads to disability and lack of self-sufficiency. The lost income from such individuals is just one reason why the World Economic Forum estimates that the economic impact of mental illness will be more than cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses combined by 2030. And the cost of human suffering that these illnesses cause is, of course, immeasurable.Half of all mental health conditions in adulthood emerge by age 14, and three quarters by 24. That’s why it’s so important to talk about what’s going on and seek support early. Just like physical conditions, mental health conditions can be managed. With the right support and treatment, young person can get back to smashing their goals and enjoying life.
However, it is incredibly important that children and adolescents do receive the professional help and support when they need it, rather than waiting months or even years for treatment. It’s important because struggling with mental health can have a long-lasting negative impact on many other areas of life. For example, children with conduct disorder are twice more likely to drop out of school, four times more likely to become addicted to drugs and twenty times more likely to end up in jail. Adolescents with anxiety are also less likely to attend university and are more likely to struggle with problems in young adulthood such as anxiety, depression and drug addiction. It is now vital that we continue to talk about children’s mental health. We need conversation between young people and adults to determine the issues within the system, and evidence-based research to address these issues.
Children’s mental health may seem like a huge problem to tackle, but everyone can take small steps to help. Reducing stigma, raising awareness and providing support begins in your home, in your school, in your workplace and in your community.It is our social responsibility.Until and unless mental health problems are recognized and treated at the right time an individual can not lead a happy life and any nation cannot progress.
( The auhor is lecturer in psychology at GGHSS Mubarak Mandi, Jammu)
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