1 in 4 people will be affected by mental illness at some point - Mental Health Awareness Month

Dear Fujifilm VGTeam Family member,??

In today’s newsletter, we are going to take you on a different journey. As the need for action on mental health is indisputable and urgent, we dedicated this fifth Issue to Mental Health Awareness Month! In this newsletter, we aim to create more awareness of this problem that affects so many people. To start we will present you a global mental health statistics overview. Therefore, we also aim to bring awareness to mental disorders and the warning signs and strategies for mental health care.

Mental health is an essential component of our overall well-being, allowing us to navigate life's challenges, fulfill our potential, and contribute to society. It's a fundamental human right that's integral to personal and community development. But did you know that nearly a billion people worldwide struggle with mental illness or substance abuse?

Yes, you read that right. One in four people will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives, and tragically, mental disorders account for a shocking 14.3% of deaths worldwide - that's approximately 8 million lives lost each year. The prevalence of mental disorders has increased by 50% globally from 1990 to 2013, and it was estimated that 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019.

These statistics are alarming, but that is not all, poor working environments can put at risk to our mental health, including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control, and job insecurity. ?In 2019, an estimated 15% of working-age adults were living with a mental disorder. This is a significant problem, as mental health conditions can lead to lost productivity and missed opportunities. Globally, it is estimated that 12 billion working days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety. This lost productivity costs a staggering US$ 1 trillion annually. This is a reminder that promoting mental health in the workplace is not only crucial for the well-being of employees but also for the economic success of businesses and society as a whole!

A mental disorder is a condition that affects a person's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior and is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. And it's more common than you might think. In fact, in 2019, 1 in every 8 people around the world were living with a mental disorder.

The most common mental disorders are anxiety and depressive disorders, affecting 301 million and 280 million people respectively in 2019. And unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. In just one year, there was a 26% increase in anxiety disorders and a 28% increase in major depressive disorders.

The good news is that effective prevention and treatment options do exist. However, the bad news is that most people with mental disorders don't have access to adequate care. And on top of that, many people also experience stigma, discrimination, and violations of human rights.

Taking care of your mental health is important and can make a big difference in how you feel on a daily basis. Recognizing warning signs is the first step to identifying and managing mental health concerns. If you notice yourself feeling isolated, apathetic, anxious, or aggressive, or experiencing feelings of worry, fear, sadness, or fatigue that persist for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help.

But don't wait until things get overwhelming! Practicing self-care and developing good habits can help you manage stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Make sure you get regular exercise, even if it is just 30 minutes of walking a day;
• Eat healthy, balanced meals, stay hydrated, and limit caffeine intake;
• Sleep is also crucial for your well-being, prioritize sleep by sticking to a regular schedule and reducing your exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bedtime;
• Practice relaxation activities such as meditation, which can be helpful in managing stress;
• Set goals and priorities, learn to say "no" to new tasks if you're feeling overwhelmed;
• Gratitude and positivity can also be powerful tools for managing mental health.
• Stay connected with friends and family who can offer emotional support.

Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, so it's important to find what works best for you through trial and error. If you're experiencing severe or distressing symptoms for more than two weeks, seek professional help.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know our contribution to the world. We look forward to sharing our journey with you and working together to create a better tomorrow! The next Issue will be dedicated to?Stroke Awareness in honor of May being Stroke Awareness Month too!

The Fujifilm Vasco da Gama Team