The terms “mind” and “body” are often separated into two categories. However, one’s to talk about the importance of mental health awareness and physical health should not be seen as two different entities. It has been shown, in many different ways, that having poor mental health may negatively impact one’s physical health, and vice versa.
For instance, the average life expectancy in the United States has been continuously increasing, and it is now 78.6 years. On the other hand, persons who suffer from severe mental illness have a life expectancy that varies from 49 to 60 years on average (NIMH). This is a 25- to 30-year advantage over the average population.
In addition, to talk about the importance of mental health awareness those who suffer from depression have a risk of having heart disease which is forty percent more than that of the general population (NAMI). Suicide is the second highest cause of mortality for those between the ages of 10 and 34, behind motor vehicle accidents. One out of every eight trips that individuals make to the emergency department is due to issues related to mental illness or drug use problems.
Here are 3 importance of mental health awareness;
1. To significantly cut down on the discrimination
A lack of comprehension on the part of the family about the importance of mental health awareness, friends, coworkers, or other individuals fewer chances for employment, education, or social activities. Harassment in any form, including verbal and physical. They have health insurance, but it does not cover their mental condition enough for treatment.
The conviction that they are unable to make progress in their circumstances or that they will never be successful in overcoming certain obstacles. A further effect of stigma is resistance to getting aid or undergoing therapy. A mental disease will affect around twenty percent of all Americans at some point in their lives.
However, less than half of individuals who struggle with mental illness will seek therapy at some point in their lives. People who suffer from mental disorders may and do lead lives that are satisfying, fruitful, and full of joy when they get treatment for their conditions. However, the more time that passes without treatment for mental health disorders, the more serious the symptoms grow.
2. Get Rid of the Stigma
If we as a society start having conversations about mental illness on a more frequent basis, we may potentially dispel the myths and misconceptions that persist on this subject. When these misconceptions are exposed and disproved, it should become easier to talk openly about the importance of mental health awareness in society.
- physical health
- mental illness
3. To lessen the ever-increasing prevalence of mental health disorders
Over the course of the last several decades, there has been a general increase in the incidence of many mental health issues. According to the findings of one piece of research, the prevalence of major depressive episodes among young people rose from 11.93% to 12.63% in only one year.
You are no longer alone in the challenges that you are going through, and it should be more typical for individuals to speak about mental health as the number of people who are impacted by these issues increases.
Increase Access to Treatment and Reduce the Number of Suicide Attempts – This is likely the most crucial reason why we need to speak about mental health, which is one of many reasons why we need to. Due to the stigma around mental health, an unacceptable number of individuals are not receiving the help they need.
In the end, their bad mental health might result in their taking their own life. According to the findings of one piece of research, more than ninety percent of persons who commit suicide exhibit indicators of mental health issues.
Conclusion:
Mental health for most is still a hushed topic. It is still surrounded by a stigma, which has made people to open up about their problems. But the fact remains the same: mental health is just as important as your physical health. Although, the pandemic has surely helped to bring things to the surface. We now live in times when people are getting comfortable opening up about their mental health. Talking about the importance of mental health awareness can progressively help the communities to grow and improve. It broadens people’s perspectives and they become more accepting of sensitive things people are going through. All in all, it ropes in a positive attitude in people towards each other. So why not?
Why do we need to talk about depression?
