Common warning signs of mental illnesses may include:

•  Eating little or overeating

• Having insomnia (lack of sleep) or sleeping too much

• Sudden loss or increase in weight

• Staying aloof or alone from other people and away from favourite activities

• Feeling fatigue or tired even with enough sleep

• Feeling numb or lacking empathy

• Experiencing unexplainable body pains or aches

• Feeling hopeless, helpless or lost

• Not getting pleasure in his/her regular pleasurable activities

• Smoking, drinking, or using illicit drugs more than ever before

• Feel confused, forgetful, irritable, angry, anxious, sad, or frightful

• Constantly fight or argue with friends and family

• Having extreme mood swings that can cause relationship problems

• Having constant flashbacks of thoughts that you can’t get out of your head

• Hearing voices in your head that you can’t stop

• Thoughts like someone watching or controlling, giving instructions, trying to harm

• Having thoughts of hurting oneself or other people; suicidal thoughts

• Being unable to carry out day-to-day activities and chores with enthusiasm.

If any or group of above symptoms present in a person then one should immediately consult a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Continuous exposure to stressful life events, accidents, trauma, basic needs not met and genetic causes may lead to mental illnesses. In such cases, immediate attention should be given and that person should be counselled and treated, immediately.

Mental Health disorders:

Some common mental health disorders are mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosomatic disorders, obsession compulsive disorder, eating disorders, personality disorders, neuro-developmental disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental health diagnosis and treatment:

Mental health examination will be done by clinical psychologist and Psychiatrist by physical examination, observation, case study; using various assessment scales and psycho-diagnostic tests. After the evaluation and diagnosis, treatment plan is done accordingly. Various psychotherapies along with medications, alternate therapies like hypnotherapy, inpatient and outpatient treatment, residential treatment are available for the patients with mental health disorders according to the severity of the illness.

Facts About Mental Health

• Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.

• People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees.

• Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder.

• Half of all mental illnesses show early signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 3/4 of mental illnesses begin before age 24.

• People with a mental health issue are generally nonviolent. Only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributed to people with serious mental illness.

• Many people do not seek treatment for mental illness due to stigma. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental illnesses receive treatment.

• Therapy, yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments can help alleviate symptoms.

• People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.

• The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.

How to Maintain Positive Mental Health

• Stay positive

• Eat healthy food

• Keep yourself active both physically and mentally (exercise, yoga)

• Be mindful

• Maintain healthy relationships

• Be content and grateful

• Get enough rest and sleep

• Socialize with others

• Practice gratitude

• Develop coping skills

• Seek professional help if needed

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th every year to raise awareness about mental health issues and support mental health initiatives.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 7.5% of the Indian population suffers from some form of mental disorder. Mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders, and India accounts for nearly 15% of the global mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorder burden. The treatment gap, defined as the prevalence of mental illness versus the proportion of patients receiving treatment, is over 70%. Currently, fewer than 4000 professionals are available to treat patients.

Key measures to improve mental health awareness and support include:

• Encouraging open discussions about mental health issues

• Involvement of family and friends to help individuals seek medical assistance

• Creating awareness through programs, camps, and social media

• Removing the social stigma surrounding mental health

It is important to balance our feelings and develop coping mechanisms to manage daily stress. It's OK to not be OK, but if the situation becomes overwhelming, seeking medical help is essential.

Every individual should be aware of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and work towards maintaining balance. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, eating well, staying physically active, being mindful, positive, and practicing gratitude are essential for staying mentally and physically healthy.

As we enter the New Year 2021, let’s all pledge to promote mental health awareness and emphasize the importance of good mental health in our families, communities, and society.