5 Shocking Facts for World Mental Health Day

Mental health day is observed on October 10th. It happens each year globally. The day marks the initiative to destigmatize negative connotations of psychological problems.  

Every year, healthcare organizations run campaigns and workshops revolving around the topic.  Some groups may conduct surveys to diagnose common mental health issues and evaluate how specific communities feel. They also use advanced technology to identify environmental and social stressors that might impact coping mechanisms.

Why is mental health day important?

The World Federation for Mental Health introduced the day in 1992. Every October, healthcare organizations create campaigns highlighting signs and causes of psychological problems and associated illnesses. They tell the public that it’s okay to not feel okay and emphasize that there are ways to get help.

Healthcare organizations and medical experts use this day to track progress and share result-oriented plans. These plans promote therapy and make it accessible in over 150 countries.

Before this initiative, seeking therapy and talking openly about mental health issues was considered taboo.

This article discusses mental health facts to cover the current challenges affected individuals experience to this day.

The Basics: What Is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to your emotional, social, and psychological wellness. The way you react to daily stressors can indicate whether you feel well or not.

A healthy mind leads to informed decisions, better productivity levels, and good performance at work (or in an academic setting). Individuals that are emotionally secure and have a healthy coping mechanism can overcome challenges easily. They are also more likely to live a content life and experience satisfaction.

In contrast, people affected by mental health disorders cannot build healthy relationships. They are less resilient and often break down when they deal with stressors.

How to Stay Mentally Healthy?

An active lifestyle and healthy habits can promote mental wellness. You should eat well, maintain a regulated sleeping routine, exercise, and form healthy social connections. These steps will improve your quality of life and keep you satisfied.  Applying coping strategies and practicing self-care are other ways to promote mental health.

Verywell Mind shares the following self-care tips for improving mental health:

●     Adequate sleep (7-8 hours)

●     Eat well to boost brain activity and rejuvenate the body

●     An active lifestyle through exercise, dancing, and mindful movements

●     Healthy coping techniques (like meditation) to deal with stress and negative emotions

●     A positive mindset to reframe intrusive thoughts

●     Healthy social connections to overcome loneliness

●     Self-care to relax your mind and recuperate from a chaotic routine

Your mental health and physical health can decline without professional support.

Therefore, it’s essential to be self-aware and recognize signs indicating that you (or someone you know) need help.

5 Surprising Facts for World Mental Health Day

Mental health day has been celebrated for over two decades.

Yet, we are still experiencing setbacks. Most challenges are a result of a lack of awareness and resources. Social norms and cultural connotations also significantly influence how people respond to therapy.

Here are five mental health facts that might shock you:

Fact 1: An Estimated 1 out of 5 American Adults Struggle with Mental Health Issues.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 52.9 million adults have mental health illnesses. Severity levels and symptoms categorize these disorders.

Serious Mental Illness (SMI) can lead to disabilities if they go unchecked for prolonged periods. In contrast, Any Mental Illness (AMI) refers to psychological issues affecting emotional responses and inhibiting thought processes.

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders, most people do not seek medical attention.

Why Don’t People Receive Mental Health Support?

Socio-economic gaps, racial barriers, and cultural beliefs prevent people from asking for professional help. Raising awareness of these issues can ensure everyone receives the care they need to feel better.

Here are some reasons why people don’t use medical services to treat psychological problems:

●     Lack of education about mental wellbeing

●     Inaccessibility to medical resources for mental health due to high costs or shortage of local practitioners

●     Restrictions enforced by religious and cultural beliefs

●     Lower quality of service due to racial differences between counselor and patient

Mental health day aims to support the growth of healthcare facilities that provide practical solutions to everyone.

Fact 2: Anxiety and Depression Increased by 25% Post-Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the spike after assessing reports from medical experts worldwide. More and more people have begun experiencing depressive disorders and anxiety after lockdown.

The primary reasons were the fear of contracting the coronavirus, financial instability, and loss of normalcy. Reduced social interactions, unbalanced work routines, and losing loved ones were other influential post-pandemic factors.

Things worsened due to limited medical support as therapy sessions stopped.

How to Live with Anxiety and Depression?

You can cope with anxiety and depression through therapy and self-care.

Healthline shares several tips to deal with anxiety and depression. It ranks cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) at the top of the list. Therapy can help eliminate regressive thoughts and behaviors.

You can combine professional sessions with self-care strategies.  Adopting healthy habits sends positive signals to the brain. You can use activities like mindfulness, exercising, and resting to set your mind at ease.

Fact 3: 30% of US Adults Experience Insomnia

American Psychological Association (APA) states that sleep disorders often coexist with mental health conditions. They are prevalent in almost 50-70 million American adults.

Studies suggest that individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more at risk than others. Yet, therapy isn’t a permanent solution for troubled sleep.

You need to address underlying health issues that make you restless. Also, regulating routines and avoiding screen time before bed can help your brain settle down. These are some ways to sleep better.

Why Do People Have Insomnia?

Stress, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep hygiene can affect sleep patterns. You must change your routine to create a well-regulated sleep cycle.

Here are a few reasons why you can’t sleep:

●     Stress and anxiety can keep you up at night.

●     Stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar before bed can stop you from sleeping right away.

●     Environmental disturbances (i.e., low/high temperature, an uncomfortable bed, noise) can disrupt sleep.

If the problem persists after the self-intervention, you should consider talking to a specialist.

Fact 4: 1 in 6 Children Get Diagnosed with a Mental Health Condition

Despite popular belief, children as young as six years of age experience mental health issues. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) observed that only 50% of affected children receive medically-approved care from social workers and psychologists.

Many adults experience severe behavioral and psychological issues due to untreated disorders. Intervening during the early years helps children become resilient. They develop effective coping mechanisms to overcome potential challenges.

How to Help Children with Mental Health Issues? 

Parents need to adapt routines to accommodate their child’s individual needs. Ensuring they eat healthy food, engage in outdoor play, and rest well makes things manageable. Effective collaboration with school and medical support teams can be a bonus.

Here’s what you can do:

●     Develop a structured routine to help children form healthy habits. This includes sleeping well, eating balanced meals, and participating in outdoor activities.

●     Engage youngsters in relaxing and recreational activities (like art, music, and dancing).

●     Encourage your child to express their feelings to ensure you know when they need extra support.

Aside from this, you should ask educators, school nurses, and counselors to assist wherever possible.

Fact #5: Women Experience Mental Health Issues 2x More Than Men

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that more women are diagnosed with psychological issues than men. They are also more open to receiving treatments than men.

Preliminary research shared in The Guardian reflects upon this gender gap. Medical experts state that women tend to perceive themselves negatively more than men. That’s because they have lower self-esteem.

They also internalize their psychological and emotional issues. These disruptive habits result in insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

In contrast, men “externalize” their problems and take things out through aggressive actions. Substance abuse, anger management problems, and violent behavior are signs of stress and distress.

How to Select the Right Therapist?

Choose a therapist based on compatibility, comfort, and convenience.  A good counselor knows how to make you feel at ease through effective communication and treatments.

Here’s a checklist for selecting a therapist:

●     Do you feel comfortable sharing personal thoughts and events with your therapist?

●     Does the licensed practitioner offer appropriate treatments?

●     Is the advice you receive actionable and practical?

Aside from this, consider budget limits and schedules before signing up as an advisor.

How to Raise Awareness about Mental Health?

There are multiple ways to raise awareness. Start by learning all you can about mental health and available support. Use the knowledge to identify when you or someone you love develops a mental health issue. Empower each other through recognized resources like therapy, medication, and other treatments.

Collective efforts are the only way to break the social stigma.

Therefore, each of us needs to spread the word and create an actionable plan to overcome challenges.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on raising awareness:

1. Educate Yourself and Others about Mental Health

People dealing with mental illnesses are unlikely to share their problems. The social stigma and feeling of rejection prevent them from opening up to others. Due to this, you (and people you know) might not receive the support you should.

Normalizing discussions on mental health can bridge the gap. You can attend workshops and seminars about causes, signs, and therapy options for common disorders. These include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other issues.

Access to this information can help you recognize symptoms more quickly.

Some common signs include:

●     A state of perpetual sadness

●     Withdrawal from social activities and hobbies

●     Irregular eating and sleeping patterns

●     Irritable mood

●     Lack of concentration

Knowing whether you (or someone you know) has a psychological problem can lead to early intervention. The affected individual can cope with the intrusive thoughts better through effective therapy.

2. Support Loved Ones Experiencing Mental Health Issues

Do you know someone who’s going through a difficult time?

Whether it’s a family member or a friend, you can be there for them. Ask them how they feel and get to the reason behind their low mood.

Be engaging, compassionate, and supportive.

Here are some conversation cues to remember:

●     Listen attentively.

Mental health patients feel lonely and isolated. Comfort them by ensuring your conversations are free from judgmental remarks and criticism. 

●     Don’t pressure the other person to speak.

Ask open-ended questions to give them control over the narrative. Depending on their feelings, it gives them a chance to respond in detail or concisely.

●     Never diagnose them.

Unless you’re a licensed counselor, don’t label their symptoms or recommend solutions. Instead, encourage them to seek a professional for advice.

Lastly, check up on your loved ones from time to time. It shows that you care and are available for a talk at times when they feel alone.

3. Empower Yourself and Others by Seeking the Right Resources

Dealing with mental health issues can be challenging, but you’re not alone.

Over the years, global healthcare organizations have been taking steps to provide equal resources for mental health support as they do for physical health.

Here are some things that might be accessible to you:

●     Emergency hotlines

These virtual help desk numbers allow individuals to talk to advisors and therapists during difficult times. The operators receive professional training in calming people who feel triggered, overwhelmed, depressed, or suicidal.

●     Online therapy apps

Telehealth products and services include apps for therapy. The Medical News Today lists Calm, Headspace, and Talkspace as the top three mental health tools for beginners.

●     Local mental health counselors

In-person counseling can help when self-care and online therapy doesn’t work. Look for licensed practitioners in your area for individual and group therapy sessions.

Now more than ever, we need to shift the perception of mental health disorders. Education, encouragement, and empowerment can help us achieve this goal.

Taking the Step in the Right Direction

The statistics surrounding mental health disorders are very bleak. Celebrating mental health day on October 10th worldwide promotes a communal feeling. It shows affected individuals that we’re all in this together.

Mental health issues are rapidly arising because of our sedentary lifestyles, antisocial behaviors, and lack of knowledge. Age, gender, environmental and social conditions increase risks. That said, you can overcome everyday stressors by recognizing signs of decline.

Alternatively, increased knowledge can help you conduct wellness checks. You will also become well-equipped to empathize with someone dealing with intrusive thoughts. The key lies in learning how to raise mental health awareness and seeking professional help whenever possible.