October 9, 2020|Mental Health
It’s easy to forget that others are struggling when our own stress feels so overwhelming. This is the case both within our closest circles and within our global community.
We are often unaware of the mental health challenges others are experiencing—not because the information doesn’t exist—but because we are focused on problems that are nearest to us.
This is not to say that the issues closest to us aren’t important. They are and should be given the attention they require. But it is also beneficial practise to put ourselves in the shoes of others and to learn more about the experiences of people who are far removed from us.
This is the very reason why World Mental Health Day was established. It is an effort to educate global citizens about greater challenges and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
In a nutshell? It’s a chance to come together and look closely at the bigger picture. And so in today’s post, we’d like to touch on some common misconceptions about global mental health and shed a light on the truth.
Truth #1: The Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Has NOT Increased
This may come as a surprise, but it’s a fact. According to a study by the Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network, mental health conditions and substance abuse issues were just as common 26 years ago as they are today.
What has changed, however, is the seriousness of these cases. Mental health and substance abuse issues are extremely detrimental to a person’s well-being and must be treated with the same care and consideration as other health concerns.
Additionally, we have seen an increase in the prevalence of depression in teenagers, specifically, which indicates the need to dedicate more resources and funding to initiatives that support this demographic.
Truth #2: Mental Health Disorders are More Common in Women
Globally, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and depression all impact females more than their male counterparts.
Schizophrenia is one of the only exceptions to the rule, which tends to impact both men and women almost equally, with a slight increase among men in some countries.
It is important to note, however, that there are many factors which could contribute to these findings. Women may be more likely to seek professional help for symptoms of mental illness than men, for example. Additionally, some psychological experts believe women tend to ruminate on their problems more than men do, as men tend to be more action-focused.
While we may not know precisely why women are more frequently impacted by mental health conditions, we must consider this when making higher-level decisions about how global mental health is addressed.
Truth #3: Mental Health Accounts for 30% Non-Fatal Disease Burden Worldwide
This is one of the global mental health facts released by the World Health Organization and it’s a powerful reminder of just how much pressure mental health and substance abuse issues puts on global healthcare systems.
The same study found that mental, neurological and substance use disorders are estimated to contribute to economic output losses of $2.5-8.5 trillion globally— a figure that is difficult to even imagine!
If there was ever a doubt that mental health is a concern for all of humanity, these numbers put that doubt to rest. Every country and every community experiences mental health issues (to varying capacities). We must remember this when evaluating the significance of global mental health initiatives and the importance of dedicating resources to these programs.
Final Thoughts
There is a silver lining in every situation. At Catalyst Training Services, we believe that the truth about global mental health can bring us together and remind us that we are never alone in mental illness, despite how isolated it can make us feel.
Remember, together we can create change and form a united front against stigma.