Today, more than ever, we live during a time of a persistent and constant mental health crisis. 970 million individuals worldwide, or 1 in every 8 persons, suffered from a mental illness in 2019. Anxiety and depressive disorders were the most prevalent types.
Even while there are options for effective prevention and therapy, most people who suffer from mental problems lack access to quality care. Additionally, a lot of people deal with discrimination, stigma, and human rights violations.
This rise in anxiety and depressive disorders among society can definitely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as in 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose dramatically; The World Health Organization says that “estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year.”
Levels had decreased by 2022, although they remained greater than they were in 2020. Even though they may come and go, COVID-19-related distress is still a problem for a lot of people.
On Anxiety Disorders
Excessive worry and fear, as well as associated behavioral abnormalities, are hallmarks of anxiety disorders. The severity of the symptoms is such that they cause substantial anguish or functional impairment. Anxiety disorders can take many different forms. These include separation anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being away from people with whom the sufferer has a deep emotional bond; generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive worry; panic disorder, which is characterized by panic attacks; and others. A total of 301 million individuals, including 58 million children and adolescents, suffered from an anxiety illness in 2019. There is proven psychological treatment available, and medication may also be taken into consideration based on the patient's age and severity.
On Depression:
Mood swings and transient emotional reactions to day-to-day obstacles are not the same as depression. A depressive episode lasts at least two weeks and is characterized by the person experiencing a depressed mood (feeling hopeless, agitated, and empty) or a loss of enjoyment or interest in activities for most of the day, almost every day. A number of additional symptoms may also be present, such as difficulty concentrating, feelings of extreme guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness regarding the future, suicidal thoughts, disturbed sleep, changes in eating or weight, and an unusually low level of energy or tiredness. Further, suicide is more common in those who feel depressed. 280 million individuals, including 23 million children and adolescents, suffered from depression in 2019. This number is only rising, however, medication is an option that can be taken into consideration, depending on the age and severity, along with good psychological therapy.
Get help when you need it.
If you've had suicidal thoughts and/or are thinking of hurting yourself, seek help.
● Contact your healthcare professional or a mental health professional.
● Contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.
Get in touch with your mental health or healthcare provider if you are concerned about someone else or yourself. Some might be able to speak with you over the phone, online, or in person.
You could potentially get in touch with a friend or family member. Another person in your religious group might be able to assist. Additionally, you might be eligible for mental health services or therapy via your employer's employee assistance program.
Information and treatment alternatives are available from organizations like:
● The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
● Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
● The American Association for Depression and Anxiety.
Take Care of Your Body and Mind:
These foundation are where healthy self-care advice begins. Give your body what it requires and abstain from things that don't.
Some tips include:
● Achieve the ideal sleep schedule for you. Sleep issues can be avoided with a regular sleep routine, which involves going to bed and waking up at roughly the same times every day.
● Unwind and replenish. Relaxation techniques including yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness are beneficial to a lot of people. Try to find a relaxing hobby or pastime and commit to it on a daily basis, even if only for a short while. Making time for interests or pastimes you enjoy can also aid with stress management.
● Physical movement. Frequent exercise and physical activity can help elevate mood and lower anxiety. Any regular exercise regimen is a wise decision. That may be going for a walk, an organized workout, or even dancing to your preferred tunes.
● Select wholesome foods and beverages. Nutrient-dense foods are good options because they are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Steer clear of anything that has additional fat, sugar, or salt.
● Abstain from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. You already have an increased risk of lung illness if you smoke or vape. Drinking to control your emotions can exacerbate the situation and weaken your ability to cope. Do not abuse prescription medicines or use illegal drugs as a coping mechanism for your emotions.
● Maintain your fitness and health regimen. Keep up with your appointments if you see a medical practitioner for mental health treatments. Additionally, keep up with all of your wellness examinations and testing.
● Maintain relationships and stay in touch. An optimistic view that is healthy includes your neighborhood, family, and friends. You establish a strong support system for each other's worries and difficulties. A longer and healthier life is eventually associated with social connections.
Avoid stigma and discrimination:
People who experience stigma may feel alone and even abandoned. Medical discrimination, or treating someone differently due to their medical status, is not a recent phenomenon. The long-standing issue of stigma has affected individuals with a variety of ailments, including mental health disorders and HIV. Stigmatized people may face discrimination, exclusion, unequal treatment, and/or denial of employment and educational opportunities. They could also be the targets of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. Discrimination and stigma can be eradicated via communication.
When you:
● Learn to see people as more than just illnesses, you can combat stigma.
● Making people feel at ease when discussing health issues can be achieved in large part by using polite language.
● If you come across or hear myths concerning illnesses or those who suffer from them, speak out.
Sources:
- Mental disorders https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-dis orders#:~:text=In%202019%2C%201%20in%20every,and%20violatio ns%20of%20human%20rights - COVID-19 and your mental health
- Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/ in-depth/mental-health-covid-19/art-20482731#:~:text=Worldw ide%20surveys%20done%20in%202020,an%20issue%20for%20many%20 people.
Comments