World Mental Health Day 2021

‘Mental Health in an Unequal World.’

Do we need equality or equity in the promotion of Mental Health conversations?

The topic for World Mental Health Day in 2021 is “Mental Health in an Unequal World.” This emphasizes the world’s unequal access to mental health care. Government and public responses to the COVID-19 outbreak have exacerbated the problem. Many high-income countries and institutions have responded to the epidemic inequitably, as evidenced by inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and rising wealth disparities. The imbalance in social and economic elements that determine the incidence and effects of mental illness among communities and countries is a critical topic in this setting. Because of the constellation of adversities, social marginalization, and burden of ill health they suffer, some individuals and populations require greater—not equal—intensity of mental health promotion, preventive, and treatment activities.

What kind of thoughts are considered to be under Mental Health?

Mental Health, in all honesty, covers a wide variety of negative thoughts that tend to hinder your daily tasks, and given the fact that Mental Health is a topic of taboo in many families and even countries, not enough light is being shed on this aspect. Terms such as depression, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are so common these days, however, the context in which they are being used is extremely questionable, and this is not because of any fault of the patients, but the knowledge they are presented with.

So, at any point in life if you ever had a thought, “Am I really okay?” “Why do I have all these intrusive thoughts?” this article, or at least a good portion of it, is for you.

15 Mental disorders and their symptoms

It is very important to note that there is a wide range of mental disorders, however, there are only a few that we delve into, in this article. If you experience different symptoms, know that there is no clear cut guide for dealing with mental disorders, it is different for everyone.

Major depression is a type of mental illness marked by continuous sorrow as well as other symptoms. If you have this mental health disorder, however, you will not experience manic or hypomanic symptoms. Sadness, hopelessness, guilt, impatience, anxiety, emptiness, and a loss of interest in things once loved are examples of emotions that one may feel. It may also affect your physical appearance, such as a loss of appetite, weight changes, unexplained aches and pains, lethargy, sleeplessness, or a constant feeling of sleepiness.
Bipolar Disorder encompasses a wide range of mental illnesses. You will have depressed episodes if you have one of these mental health problems and any of the depression symptoms. You may experience manic or hypomanic symptoms as well. Euphoria, increased activity or agitation, a need for less sleep or food, excessive self-confidence, high risk-taking, and distractibility are all signs of manic depression.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe type of PMS, with symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and other signs of depression, as well as cramps, bloating, discomfort, and headaches. The symptoms begin a week to 10 days before your period and disappear once your period starts.
Postpartum depression can strike at any moment throughout your pregnancy or up to a year after your baby is born. You may have excessive crying, withdrawal from family, difficulties bonding with the new baby, and feelings that you’re a horrible mother, in addition to other depression symptoms.
One of the mental disorders characterised by concern and tension is Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Its symptoms are frequently unrelated to what’s going on and appear out of nowhere to have an impact on your mental health. Restlessness, jitteriness, and irritation are all common feelings. Muscle tension, headaches, sweating, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom, weariness, sleep troubles, shaking, and easily frightened are all physical signs.
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a term that refers to a group of mental illnesses. Obsessive (fear of dirt or contamination, doubting, uncertainty, needing things to be symmetrical, thoughts of losing control or harming yourself) and compulsive (excessive washing and cleaning, checking, counting, strict adherence to a routine, needing constant reassurance) symptoms are present in each of these mental health issues.
Agoraphobia is a mental health condition in which you experience such severe anxiety symptoms that you avoid going to or even thinking about places and situations that make you feel helpless, embarrassed, or threatened.
Phobias are mental diseases in which you experience intense fear in response to a stimulus. Heights, snakes, cramped spaces, or a variety of other factors could be the trigger. Lightheadedness, dizziness, choking sensations, pounding heart or rapid heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, sweating, heat or cold flushes, shortness of breath, nausea, tingling, and shaking are some of the symptoms that might occur.
For anyone who wants or needs to interact with others socially, Social Anxiety is a distressing mental health issue. Fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed are some of the symptoms. Individuals may experience nausea, quick heartbeats, perspiration, breathlessness, dizziness, blank thoughts, and muscle tension and resort to behaviors such as avoiding speaking to others or being the center of attention.
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder and a mental health issue in which you eat very little and lose weight at a rate that your friends and family find disturbing. Feelings and behaviors such as being preoccupied with food, dieting, and weight; talking about being overweight and needing to diet; saying you’re not hungry; having eating rituals; having an unrealistic body image; and wearing multi-layered baggy clothes are just a few of the most prevalent symptoms. Furthermore, abrupt weight loss, stomach pains, monthly abnormalities, sleep issues, feeling cold all the time, dry skin and nails, cavities, thinning hair, muscle weakness, and a weakened immune system are all physical indicators.
Bulimia is a condition in which you eat and occasionally binge on food, but then purge to get rid of the calories you ate. You may have an acute dread of gaining weight, be concerned about your body form and size, eat big amounts of food at once, force yourself to vomit, and fast between binges if you have this mental health problem.
PTSD can be triggered by stressful circumstances such as combat or being abused. If left addressed, this mental health disorder can linger for months or even years. Intrusive memories, nightmares, avoiding anything that reminds you of the event, unpleasant thoughts and feelings, being easily startled, difficulties sleeping, impatience, anger, aggression, and feeling emotionally disconnected or numb are all symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Acute stress disorder is a mental health problem in which you experience anxiety symptoms. Symptoms appear after a distressing event and might continue up to a month. You may also experience numbness or a sense of unreality, as well as vivid flashbacks or difficulties recalling the event in question.
Intermittent explosive disorder can damage others while also affecting your mental health. This mental health problem is characterized by brief bursts of rage and aggression. Furthermore, all of these eruptions are out of proportion to the events that cause them. An ordinary aggravation can trigger a fury attack.
Personality disorders are long-term mental health issues that can continue for years or even a lifetime. When you have one of these mental health illnesses, your thoughts, feelings, and actions are disordered, and your relationship and other elements of your life may suffer as a result. This can include narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by a lack of empathy for others, and borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by impulsivity, an unstable self-image, intense relationships, mood swings and suicidal behavior, a fear of being alone, and transitory paranoia.

How can we help someone struggling with a Mental Health Disorder?

Have Compassion: Compassion is essential in assisting someone in recovering from any sickness. Whether it’s encouraging them to do something that will help them cope with their disease, such as obtaining proper treatment, or offering to help them with something they’re having trouble with – even if it’s just the dishes!
You might gently urge them to talk about their feelings, or you could let them know that you understand if they don’t want to yet. Assure them that their position will improve, and that you will be there to support them no matter what happens.
Don’t pretend to be a psychologist… : and start diagnosing people or offering advise that you don’t understand — leave that to the specialists. Simply pay attention to them, believe what they say, and assure them that you will love and support them throughout the process.
Don’t impose treatment on them, but remember to seek additional help right away if they’re suicidal or refuse to improve; if you believe they’re in urgent danger, inform a trusted adult or call 1333.
Be Understanding: It’s not always easy to deal with the negativity, aggression, and moodiness that come with Mental Health Disorders, but keep in mind that they don’t always mean what they say or do in their current state of mind. As a result, it’s critical that you don’t take it personally or blame them; instead, try to reassure them. If they’re acting strangely or impulsively, try not to judge them, but do everything you can to keep them safe.
It can be a good idea to assist them in developing alternative and healthier techniques to deal with these impulses when they are calmer.
Spend time with them: It’s critical to keep them active and provide distractions when you can, but make sure these are either within or close to their comfort zone. Also, keep in mind that they might want to just be left alone at times, which is perfectly fine. Simply send them a message on a frequent basis to let them know you’re there when and if they need you.

References:

Types of Mental Health Disorders
CCC Foundation
Usher, A.D. (2021). A beautiful idea: how COVAX has fallen short. The Lancet, [online] 397(10292), pp.2322–2325.
Lund, C., Brooke-Sumner, C., Baingana, F., Baron, E.C., Breuer, E., Chandra, P., Haushofer, J., Herrman, H., Jordans, M., Kieling, C., Medina-Mora, M.E., Morgan, E., Omigbodun, O., Tol, W., Patel, V. and Saxena, S. (2018). Social determinants of mental disorders and the Sustainable Development Goals: a systematic review of reviews. The Lancet Psychiatry, [online] 5(4), pp.357–369. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(18)30060-9/fulltext.