World Mental Health Day is to spread awareness about the importance of staying mentally healthy. Losing my sibling, relative, and neighbor with mental health illness, I am here to advocate that mental health is essential to our well-being and as important as physical health. We need to raise awareness about the importance of mental health education and work to end social stigma. Support and care can bring a positive change to society.
According to World Health Organization, close to one billion people globally have a mental disorder and those with severe mental disorders tend to die 10 -20 years earlier than the general population. Suicide is claiming the lives of close to 800 000 people every year ̶ 1 person every 40 seconds ̶ and is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29 years. Relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries where more than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders receive no treatment for their condition at all.
“Mental health is affected by many factors and circumstances. It touches on everything ̶ poverty, equality and development ̶ which is why we need to ensure greater investment and greater access to mental health for all, ” said Dr Ingrid Daniels, President of the World Federation for Mental Health.
Mental Health During COVID-19
Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause a strong emotion in adults and children. The mandatory public health action social distancing also makes people isolated and lonely, can make stress people. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVId-19.
Healthily coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
- Know what to do if you are sick and concerned about COVID. Contact a health professional before you start any treatment.
- Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy or through telehealth services.
- Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media; hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Self-care is important, including walking, joging, yoga
- Take a deep breath, stretch or mediate
- Exercise regularly
- Get plenty of sleep
Depression and Caregiving
Many people with symptoms of depression don’t describe themself as feeling depressed. Some people don’t recognize the symptoms in themselves, while others may have difficulty admitting they feel depressed. It cannot be very comfortable to talk about it. Everyone has negative thought and feeling that comes and go over time, but when these feeling becomes more severe and make you feel week, tearful and irritable towards a loved one, it will be a warning sign of depression.
The feeling of depression is often seen as a sign of weakness rather than a sign that something is out of balance.
Prevention of
Depression
Early detection of prevention through exercise, a healthy diet, positive support of family and friends, or consult with trained health or mental health professionals may help prevent the development of depression.
Do things you enjoy:
What activities do you typically love to do? Maybe you can ask a friend or loved one to go to the movies, picnic, read a book, or even go to a local ball game. Again, staying active and incorporating actives that you find pleasure in can ease your symptoms.
Take Care of You: Eat a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. If you’ve lost you’re appetite, then you can eat smaller-sized portions throughout the day. You also want to get a good night’s sleep.
7. Making Decisions: If you have plans that will have a major impact on your life, such as marriage, divorce, or a job change, try to wait a bit. Talk to friends and loved ones you can trust and confide in, and talk to that person. This may also be a good time to begin psychotherapy or talk therapy to work through any emotions or upcoming decisions you need to make.
8. Be Patient and Gentle on Yourself: Take it easy and be kind to yourself. Feeling better takes time, and your mood will improve little by little.
When should you call for help right away?
- You or someone you know feels like hurting themselves or someone else.
- You or someone you know is about to attempt or is attempting suicide.
- You or someone you know starts spending a lot of time alone.
- You or someone you know acts very aggressively or suddenly appears calm.
- You hear voices.
- You do not get better as expected.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.upshot.org.uk/news/news-article/bucs-active-programme—tackling-mental-health
https://www.caregiver.org/depression-and-caregiving