The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is an important constituent of general health. It determines the extent to which a person thinks, feels, and acts in day-to-day life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 970 million people in 2019 were diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and mental disorders worldwide. Despite the growing importance of mental health, unfortunately, there remains a lack of awareness about mental health problems.

Even today, it remains a “next door taboo” in many societies, as discussions about mental health are either unwanted or downplayed. Breaking this stigma and raising awareness about mental health is not only beneficial for the individuals facing the mental health condition but also for society as a whole. Therefore, continue reading this blog to learn about the importance of mental health awareness.

Why is Mental Health Important for Students?

Directly or indirectly, at least 1 in every 4 are suffering from mental illness. A student’s mental health directly affects their academic, social, and emotional well-being, making it a crucial aspect of their overall development.

Extracurricular activities and social expectations at school may prove particularly stressful for students, increasing vulnerabilities to issues like depression, anxiety, and even stress. Focus retention and the capacity to handle stress among students are compromised if mental health is not given proper attention.

National Mental Health Act of 1946: A Turning Point

Another important landmark was the National Mental Health Act of 1946 in the United States. Under this act, Congress established the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which would begin establishing standards for federal involvement in mental health care. Programs operating throughout the country have been made more successful by NIMH research, education, and funding support.

It was the start of what has become a more systematic, proper manner of dealing with mental health, in that mental illness requires the same care and concern as any other physical sickness. Gradually over the years, it has promoted societal awareness of mental health and its importance, still, a long way to go.

Mental Health Statistics

Women suffer from major depression twice as much as men.
More than 60% percent of college students expressed having overwhelming anxiety that disturbs their ability to study and participate in school activities.
Mental conditions are observed in more than one in five U.S. adults.
13.9% of the world’s population experienced mental disorders in 2021.
15% of people experienced trauma and stress due to the pandemic Covid-19.
It is also predicted that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience major depression in their lives.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people worldwide have depression, including 5% of the world’s adults and 5.7% of adults above age 60.

Institutions that work towards mental health support have lower dropout rates and higher rates of student satisfaction.

The Stigma Cracks: A New Story

Mental health issues were for a very long time neither paid attention to nor understood. Mental health was presented as a sign of weakness, and persons experiencing mental health issues had great social stigma. That stigma proved a barrier to seeking help. Mental health was a “next door taboo,” rarely discussed openly, both at places of work, schools, and even within families.

Mental health issues were for a very long time neither paid attention to nor understood. Mental health was portrayed as a sign of weakness, and persons experiencing mental health issues had a great social stigma attached to them. That stigma proved a barrier to seeking help. Indeed, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), 60% of those having a known mental disorder never seek professional help because of stigma, discrimination, or lack of awareness.

Real-Life Case Study: Demi Lovato’s Journey to Mental Health Advocacy

Demi Lovato, an internationally renowned singer and actress, has been vocal about her struggles with mental health. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011 after years of battling depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Following a public breakdown, she sought treatment, which marked the beginning of her journey toward recovery and advocacy.

Challenges Faced by Demi

Demi struggles with body image, eating disorders, and self-harm.
After a near-fatal overdose in 2018, she openly shared her experiences with addiction, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts.
She faced criticism and media scrutiny, but she continued to speak out, using her platform to encourage others to seek help.

Demi partnered with organizations like Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health.

Impact

Demi’s advocacy has helped shift the conversation around mental health, especially among young people.
Her bravery inspired others to seek treatment and be open about their struggles.

Early Stage Intervention: Importance of Mental Health Awareness

The only way through which mental health issues can be effectively managed is by early intervention. If one can recognize the early symptoms of mental health problems, there will be effective treatment. Mental health issues that are left without any attention will, with time continue getting worse and lead to serious conditions like chronic depression, substance abuse, or even suicide.

The goal of raising awareness is such that individuals and communities can be empowered together to encourage early intervention. Mental health care providers, schools, and workplaces all share an obligation in terms of priority made towards mental health screening and availing resources for everyone to access the treatment they need.

The Impact of Mental Health on Physical Health

Mental and physical health connections should be the most tickling of the mind. Bad mental health mostly leads to bad physical health and vice versa.

Most cases of ailments, such as those brought about by undermined immune systems, chronic pain, and diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, have resulted from problems of mental health, which are otherwise preventable. Chronic physical illnesses can also negatively influence mental health, thus creating a vicious cycle of poor health influencing all aspects of life.

It is through this connection that emphasizes the importance of patient care, including their psychological as well as physical health.

How to Spread Mental Health Awareness

By following these steps, you can join the efforts to raise more awareness about mental health in your community:

Educating others and yourself about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellbeing.
Participate or contribute to mental health awareness events and campaigns.
Encourage friends and family members to open up about their mental health condition.
Support mental health organizations through contributions, volunteering, or advocacy.
Promote mental health education in schools and at the workplace.

Small actions like these will help the stigma be broken and make sure mental health is highly treated in every aspect of life.

Conclusion

Mental health can affect any or all aspects of life, from academic performance to physical health, while yet remaining relatively under-discussed, under-prioritized, and lacking awareness in many communities. The continuation of awareness and support of mental health initiatives along with friendly conversations can only build the society in the way of handling mental health.

FAQs

When is Mental Health Awareness Month?

May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month across the world. The month was first created in 1949 to sensitize people about mental health conditions and the need for mental health care.

Is May Mental Health Awareness Month?

Indeed, May happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. It serves as a great opportunity to disseminate information to the public regarding mental health conditions, provide support, and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges.

When is Mental Health Awareness Day?

World Mental Health Day is an annual event held on 10th October. It is an internationally promoted day, but the prime focus is the awareness of mental health issues as well as mobilizing action in support of mental health.

What is the Role of Mental Health Awareness Campaigns

Mental health awareness campaigns have given one of the key aspects when it comes to reducing stigma and improving access to care awareness about mental health.

What is the Colour for the Awareness of Mental Health?

The color commonly associated with mental health awareness is green. Green means new life, growth, and hope; it signifies the possibilities of recovery from mental health challenges.

What is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month?

November marks the month of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: a specific focus on unique mental health challenges across men. Due to societal expectations and stigma, men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems, which makes this awareness month all the more critical.