According to the World Health Organisation, globally around 280 million people suffer from depression, whereas around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder. According to the information by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2018, India has just 898 psychologists against the requirement of 20,250. Moreover, the country has 1,500 psychiatric nurses against the requirement of 3,000. Ministry also states that in India, 1 in every 12 elderly persons have symptoms of depression. Patients together with their families and caregivers continue to experience stigma and discrimination.
World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is celebrated annually on 10 October, is organized by the World Federation for Mental Health, and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for World Mental Health Day 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on people’s mental health, therefore the need to observe this day becomes even more important.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, we at Medicircle are celebrating World Mental Health Day Awareness Series to raise awareness about mental health issues that are currently affecting the world and ensure people enjoy good mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Sumedha Tiwari is a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Mumbai, currently practicing at Navicare Clinic (Andheri-West). She is also a Senior Registrar at the BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Apart from treating common psychiatric ailments like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, schizophrenia, mood disorders, addiction, she also provides psychotherapy for psychological disorders.
Causes and issues of mental health
Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” There are many issues of mental health-
Depression Anxiety Insomnia Phobia and fear Claustrophobia Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Negative uncontrolled thoughts Schizophrenia- unusual thoughts and mental disorders Drug addiction
There are many reasons for mental or psychiatric disorders-
Biological factors- brain damage, age, chemical neurotransmitters Psychological factors - stress, coping factor Social factors - cultural issues, superstitions, lifestyle disorders, financial stress and work-related stress, interpersonal relationships, trauma
All you need to know about normal mental health
Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” Normal mental health is cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being. Cognitive means thinking power, behavioral means social well being and emotional means personal well being. As per WHO,” just absence of mental illness does not mean mental well being. Good mental health means our capacity and ability to carry out our functions and activities in day-to-day life. The various abilities are-
Ability to learn Ability to feel the Ability to express ourselves Ability to manage emotions Ability to maintain relationships Ability to cope with stress.
This helps in good mental health.
Identify mental health
Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” The ways to identify mental health are -
Talking to people Staying connected with people Communicating with people Be in touch with people Behavioral issue Irritability Eating habits Change in sleeping habits Unnecessary fight Problems at work Addiction Drinking alcohol Falling grades in children Fighting with their children Sleep disturbance Bedwetting
Treatment of mental health
Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” The mental problems can be treated with -
Talk- Many problems of life are treated with talking. Solve relationship issues Vent it out Trust your mental health professional Maintain healthy lifestyle Healthy diet Workout regularly Take a break from work Do something that you are good at - hobbies Help others which gives a sense of happiness Consult a health professional
(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)