Mental Health is Our Biggest Wealth

On October 10, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. There have been many challenges with mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a global mental health crisis, causing millions of people to experience both short-term and long-term stress and jeopardizing their mental well-being. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.

World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health under the direction of Richard Hunter, who was the deputy secretary-general at the time. WHO promotes World Mental Health Day by increasing public awareness of mental health issues by leveraging its solid partnerships with international civil society organizations and health ministries. Although the pandemic has had an impact on our mental health and still does, being able to connect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will give us the chance to redouble our efforts to safeguard and advance mental health.

The importance of mental health.

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are." They are things you experience. "You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig

Mental health is essential to our overall well-being and is as important as physical health. When we feel mentally well, we can work productively, enjoy our free time, and how you’re able to operate psychologically, emotionally, and socially among others.

Social issues like unemployment, disintegrated families, poverty, drug abuse, and related crime are also influenced by mental illness. Poor mental health plays a significant role in immune dysfunction.

What are the risk factors for poor mental health?

A person's ability to manage life's typical stresses is considered a sign of good mental health. But there are various situations that might make it harder to deal with life's unexpected curveballs.?

The factors listed below that may impact mental health and raise the possibility of developing psychological disorders are listed.

The environment

The condition of a person's typical environment has a significant impact on their mental health. Adverse environmental conditions can have an adverse impact on psychological wellness.

The work environment is also a subject matter when considering mental health. A toxic work environment causes negative effects on employees, and it affects overall productivity too. On the one hand, workplaces that encourage mental health and reduce work stress not only improve mental and physical health but are also more likely to decrease absenteeism, and increase work performance and productivity, This increases staff morale and motivation and reduces tension and conflict between coworkers.

Impact of COVID-19

The studies find that COVID-19 has a negative impact on a significant portion of adults worldwide. Many people have lost their lives or their jobs. There has been tension and division within families and communities. Learning and social interaction have been lost for children and teenagers. Businesses have gone bankrupt. The number of people living in poverty has risen dramatically. The COVID-19 epidemic, like other contemporary problems, has increased the urgency of strengthening mental health services globally.?

Loneliness and Isolation

Most people suffer feelings of isolation and/or loneliness at some point in their life. These emotions are common and typically pass, but if they persist and continue for a long time, they may be detrimental to your mental health and general well-being.

Domestic and family violence

When someone close to you acts in a way that makes you feel insecure, helpless, or terrified, it is domestic and family violence. Physical harm, stalking, emotional and psychological harm, and sexual assault can all fall under this category.

Bullying

Bullying occurs when someone is subjected to verbal, physical, or social behavior that is repeated and intentional and results in physical or psychological injury. Anyone can become a victim of bullying at any place. It can happen in workplaces, homes, schools, online social networks, text messages, and email.

There are many reasons like unemployment, loss of business, childhood abuse, various unexpected life events….etc lead to poor mental health.

Measures to Improve Mental Health

On World Mental Health Day, we have the chance to spread the word about the effectiveness of preventative mental health measures. WHO envisions a world where everyone has access to the mental health services they require, where mental health is valued, promoted, and protected, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy their mental health and exercise their human rights.To keep mental health in shape, a few changes in lifestyle may be required. These include

• Maintaining a positive outlook on life
• Have productive, healthy relationships
• Cope with daily stress in life
• Stay motivated and physically active, and healthy
• Be more productive at work and school
• Make meaningful connections and contributions to the community
• Realize and work towards achieving your full potential
• Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority is the theme of the campaign that WHO is launching in collaboration with partners. This will be a chance for those who have mental health issues, advocates, governments, employers, and other stakeholders to come together to acknowledge progress in this area and to speak up about what needs to be done to make sure Mental Health & Well-Being becomes a Global Priority for everyone.