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OVERVIEW
Mental health refers to a condition of psychological well-being that empowers individuals to manage life's challenges, recognize their potential, engage in effective learning and work, and actively participate in their communities. It holds both inherent and practical significance and is essential for overall well-being. At any given moment, a variety of individual, familial, communal, and systemic factors may interact to either support or hinder mental health. While many individuals demonstrate resilience, those facing adverse situations—such as poverty, violence, disability, and inequality—are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders. Mental health conditions can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. They can result from or lead to problems at school and at work. Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability.
Numerous mental health disorders can be treated effectively and at a relatively low cost; however, health systems worldwide are often significantly underfunded, leading to substantial treatment gaps. Furthermore, the quality of mental health care provided is frequently inadequate. Individuals with mental health disorders often face stigma, discrimination, and violations of their human rights.
The Impact
Mental health conditions encompass a range of mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities, as well as other mental states that may lead to considerable distress, functional impairment, or self-harm risks. In 2019, approximately 970 million individuals worldwide were affected by a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. - WHO
These conditions can adversely impact various facets of life, including interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. They may also contribute to challenges in educational and occupational settings. Individuals suffering from severe mental health issues tend to have a life expectancy that is 10 to 20 years shorter than that of the general population. Furthermore, the presence of a mental health condition heightens the risk of suicide and the likelihood of experiencing violations of human rights. The economic implications of mental health conditions are substantial, with losses in productivity far exceeding the direct costs associated with treatment.
Mental Health of Adolescents
One in six people are aged 10–19 years. Adolescence is a unique and formative time. Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood. Globally, it is estimated that one in seven (14%) of 10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions (1), yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated.
Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical ill-health and human rights violations. The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.
Emotional disorders
Emotional disorders
Emotional disorders are common among adolescents. Anxiety disorders (which may involve panic or excessive worry) are the most prevalent in this age group and are more common among older than among younger adolescents. It is estimated that 4.4% of 10–14-year-olds and 5.5% of 15–19-year-olds experience an anxiety disorder (1). Depression is estimated to occur among 1.4% of adolescents aged 10–14 years, and 3.5% of 15–19-year-olds (1). Depression and anxiety share some of the same symptoms, including rapid and unexpected changes in mood. Anxiety and depressive disorders can profoundly affect school attendance and schoolwork. Social withdrawal can exacerbate isolation and loneliness. Depression can lead to suicide.
ANXIETY DISORDER
Anxiety is a common experience for many individuals; however, those suffering from anxiety disorders often endure feelings of fear and worry that are both intense and disproportionate. These emotional states are frequently accompanied by physical tension, as well as various behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Such feelings can be challenging to manage, leading to considerable distress and potentially persisting for extended periods if not addressed. Anxiety disorders can disrupt daily functioning and negatively affect an individual’s family, social, educational, and professional life.
Currently, it is estimated that approximately 4% of the global population is affected by an anxiety disorder. In 2019, around 301 million individuals worldwide were diagnosed with such conditions, making anxiety disorders the most prevalent category of mental health disorders. Despite the availability of highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders, only about 27.6% of those in need actually receive any form of treatment. Barriers to accessing care include a lack of awareness regarding the treatability of these conditions, insufficient investment in mental health services, a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, and the presence of social stigma.
Symptoms
Individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder often encounter intense fear or apprehension regarding particular circumstances, such as experiencing a panic attack or engaging in social interactions. In the case of generalized anxiety disorder, this anxiety may extend to a wide array of daily situations. These symptoms are generally persistent, lasting for a minimum of several months. As a result, individuals frequently tend to evade the scenarios that trigger their anxiety. People may experience more than one anxiety disorder at the same time. Symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood. Girls and women are more likely to experience an anxiety disorder than boys and men.
DEPRESSION (Depressive Disorder)
Depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression, is a prevalent mental health condition. It is characterized by a persistent low mood or a diminished interest or pleasure in activities over extended periods. Unlike typical fluctuations in mood and feelings associated with daily life, depression can significantly impact various facets of existence, including interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. It may arise from or contribute to challenges in academic and professional settings. Depression can affect individuals from all walks of life, with those who have experienced trauma, significant losses, or other high-stress situations being at a greater risk. Furthermore, it is observed that women are more frequently diagnosed with depression compared to men.
An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression (1). Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men. Worldwide, more than 10% of pregnant women and women who have just given birth experience depression (2). More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–29-year-olds.
Although there are known, effective treatments for mental disorders, more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment (3). Barriers to effective care include a lack of investment in mental health care, lack of trained health-care providers and social stigma associated with mental disorders.
Symptoms
During a depressive episode, an individual may experience a persistently low mood characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, or emptiness. There is often a noticeable decline in pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities.
This type of episode is distinct from typical mood variations, as it endures for the majority of the day, nearly every day, for a minimum duration of two weeks.
Additional symptoms may manifest, which can include:
- difficulties with concentration
- overwhelming feelings of guilt or diminished self-esteem
- a sense of hopelessness regarding the future
- thoughts of death or suicide
- disrupted sleep patterns
- fluctuations in appetite or weight
- persistent fatigue or low energy levels.
Depression can significantly impair various facets of life, affecting social interactions, home life, work, and academic performance.
The severity of a depressive episode can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the quantity and intensity of symptoms, as well as their effect on the individual's daily functioning.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Depression can be effectively managed through various treatment options, which encompass both psychological therapies and pharmacological interventions. It is advisable to seek professional help if you experience symptoms indicative of depression.
Psychological therapies are typically the primary approach for treating depression. In cases of moderate to severe depression, these therapies may be used in conjunction with antidepressant medications. However, for mild depression, the use of medications is generally unnecessary.
Psychological therapies aim to foster new cognitive patterns, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills. These may involve engaging in talk therapy with licensed professionals or trained lay therapists. Sessions can be conducted face-to-face or via online platforms. Additionally, individuals can access psychological resources through self-help books, websites, and mobile applications.
Notable psychological treatments for depression include:
- Behavioral activation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy
- Problem-solving therapy
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, are also available as part of the treatment regimen.
SUICIDE
Each year, approximately 726,000 individuals take their own lives, with many more attempting suicide. Every instance of suicide represents a profound tragedy that impacts families, communities, and entire nations, leaving enduring repercussions for those who remain. Suicide can occur at any stage of life and was identified as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 worldwide in 2021.
This issue is not confined to high-income nations; rather, it is a global concern affecting all regions. Notably, nearly 73% of global suicides in 2021 took place in low- and middle-income countries.
Suicide constitutes a significant public health challenge that necessitates a coordinated public health response. Through timely, evidence-based, and often cost-effective interventions, it is possible to prevent suicides. For national strategies to be successful, a comprehensive, multi sectoral approach to suicide prevention is essential.
WHO ARE AT RISK
The correlation between suicide and mental health disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, as well as prior suicide attempts, is well documented in high-income nations. Nevertheless, a significant number of suicides occur impulsively during crises, when individuals struggle to cope with life’s pressures, including financial difficulties, relationship conflicts, or chronic pain and illness.
Moreover, factors such as conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, loss, and feelings of isolation are closely linked to suicidal behavior. High suicide rates are also observed among marginalized groups facing discrimination, including refugees and migrants, indigenous populations, individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI), and those incarcerated.
Stigma and Taboo
Stigma and Taboo
Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. To date, only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy. Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide.
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