Mental Health Awareness

Mental health encompasses the psychological, emotional and social well-being of an individual. It influences cognition, behaviour and perception of how the person suffering from mental illness. It determines how a person handles inter-personal relationships, stress and decision making regarding major life changes.

Mental health can be further broken down into three major components:

• Cognitive health
• Behavioural health and
• Emotional health

Mental Health Awareness level in our Society

Our Society is not aware of mental health, and many stigmas are attached to the topic, which can be removed through proper awareness. World Health Organization defines mental health as the state of well-being of an individual in which he or she realizes his or her abilities and can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and is fully able to contribute to his or her community.

3 major approaches to a person’s mental illness

Mental health is an essential and integral part of an individual’s overall fitness. There are three major approaches to a person’s mental illness.

Biological Approach

According to the Biological approach, the determinants of mental illness are internal, which is the physical body of a human being.

Psychological Approach

According to the psychological approach to mental illness, mental illness determinants are internal; that is, the mind of human beings.

Sociological Approach

The last approach is sociological, which believes that determinants of mental health are external which can be environmental, relational or the person’s social situation.

Effects of Mental Health Conditions on one’s behaviour

Long-term mental health conditions affect one’s behaviour. It creates hurdles in everyday functioning. There are certain myths surrounding mental illness like; it’s just a phase and a part of their personality that cannot be changed. Mental illness is a sickness and needs to be taken seriously, just like physical health conditions.  

Why is it a sickness to be taken seriously?

Mental illness deforms the physiology of the brain and does not allow the patient to function correctly. To be diagnosed with mental illness has to have several symptoms. From time-to-time mental health issues or concerns, frequent stress and the functioning ability of the person are badly affected.  

Social dimensions to mental health conditions

There are specific social dimensions to mental health conditions. Negative stigmatization is one of the significant consequences. People shame the person to the level that the patient feels ashamed to admit that they are suffering from any mental health condition. Those people who even have mild symptoms of mental illness usually have to face verbal and physical violence in society. People tend to visibly discriminate between a person who has a mental illness and a healthy one. This discrimination often affects the individual’s self-image, and poor self-esteem leads to several other hurdles to leading a healthy life.

Effects of Social dimensions

This social dimension stops people from seeking any help regarding their mental health condition. People hesitate to share their experiences with anyone, including their friends and family. The patients become isolated due to social stigmatization. The problem arises from the common mindset of people that mental health conditions are not even considered to be a disorder. Society needs mental health awareness through a proper channel.

Why mental health awareness is Important?

The mental health of the individuals can be improved and mental health awareness is the first step toward it. If we don’t acknowledge that a problem exists, it cannot be solved. A major part of an individual’s mental illness is usually affected by childhood traumatic experiences or a toxic environment. Hence providing a stable learning environment to the children that are sensitive to their mental health and nutritional needs is crucial to protect their future.

How can we improve people’s Mental Health in our society?

• Promotion of equal rights and opportunities.
• Campaigns for anti-discrimination laws.
• Poverty reduction.
• Social protection of disadvantaged individuals.
• Employment opportunities.
• Mental health interventions at work.
• Stress prevention programmes and promotional activities in schools can be beneficial for mental health awareness in Pakistan.
• Social support for older people.
• Psycho-social interventions for the vulnerable people; indigenous people, minorities, immigrants and people affected by conflicts and disasters can contribute to preventing mental health disorders and spreading mental health awareness.

Conclusion

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Mental illness is not randomly distributed among the population but tends to occur more in disadvantaged groups. Effective treatments are not equally available as some privileged communities and individuals have better access than others. Providing equal access to mental health treatment and mental health awareness without any marginalization is the key to a healthy society.