What is mental health?

EDITOR: Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their full potential. This allows a person to manage the pressures of life, work productively and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

Mental health facts:

1. Around 20 percent of the world’s children and adolescents have mental disorders or problems. About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.

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

3. About 800 000 people commit suicide each year and it is the second leading cause of death in 15 – 29-year-olds.

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

5. Mental disorders are important risk factors for other diseases such as such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, as well as unintentional and intentional injury.

Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a mental health problem:

* Overeating or eating very little

* Oversleeping or insomnia

* Isolation from persons and regular activities

* Having a lack of no energy

* Feeling numb about your experiences in life

* Having unexplained aches and pains

* Having a sense helpless or hopeless

* Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

* Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

* Verbal and physical altercations with family and friends

* Problems in relationships due to severe mood swings

* Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

* Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

* Thoughts of self-harm and harming others

* Inability to perform routine tasks, e.g. taking care of children

The following are some ways you can maintain positive mental health:

* Seek screening to detect early signs of problems with mental health

* Undergoing the necessary treatment for a diagnosed mental illness by a physician

* Communicating with family and friends

* Staying positive

* Exercising regularly

* Helping others

* Getting 7 – 9 hours of sleep

* Developing coping skills.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these problems, seek professional help if you need it at institutions such as the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, the Marion House and the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre.

The Mind Matters SVG