World Mental Health Day, October 10th

‘Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority’

World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th of October. An annual campaign celebrated since 1992, which aims to raise awareness around the issue. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and recognised by the international symbol of a green ribbon. This year’s theme is ‘Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority’.

In 2019 the WHO estimated that one in eight people were living with a mental disorder. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic then created a global crisis with extreme pressure and stress impacting the emotional health of millions of people. We saw a rise of 25% in anxiety and depressive disorders reported during the first year of the virus, and its resulting lockdowns and closures. This has fuelled an ever-widening gap in the availability of necessary health services, which were already stretched and underfunded in many countries around the world pre-pandemic.

Psychological health is equally as important as physical health, and one can have a serious impact on the other. Disorders such as depression increase the risk of long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Similarly, those with chronic conditions are more at risk of developing a mental health illness.

The WHO has declared that up to 50% of people in high-income (or first-world) countries do not get the treatment they need for mental health disorders. This figure rises to over 75% in low-income nations.

Stigma and discrimination continue to be obstacles for those individuals struggling with their psychological health. Issues which include the availability and affordability of care, gaining access to the right treatment, and the acceptance, inclusion and safeguarding of emotional health in all areas of society. The WHO states that they “envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need.”

One of the biggest issues with mental health disorders is that they often leave the person suffering in isolation. This means too many individuals are not getting the assistance they require. Possibly because of fear, embarrassment, or they are just not aware that support is available. It can be incredibly difficult to admit that there is something wrong in the first place, and then it takes huge courage to speak up.

World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, how important it is to talk about things and how to get help if you are struggling.

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to our intellectual, developmental, and emotional well-being. A mental health illness, sometimes referred to as a disorder, can disrupt our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

The state of our psychological health has an impact on every part of how we live. It colours our emotional outlook; affects how we look after our physical health and needs; and has an influence on all our relationships – with loved ones, friends, and the people that we mix with at work or school.

Some of the most common illnesses include:

• Depressive disorders – such as major and clinical depression, bipolar, post-partum, and seasonal affective disorder.
• Anxiety disorders – including generalised anxiety, panic, social, separation and agoraphobia.
• Substance abuse and addiction (drugs/alcohol).
• Behavioural and compulsive addictions.
• Disorders – ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity), PTSD (post-traumatic stress) and OCD (obsessive-compulsive).
• Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia, binge eating.
• Schizophrenia.

There are many more, and all of them can range from being occasionally or mildly disruptive to a person’s life through to having a serious daily impact; and can cause individuals to self-harm, abuse substances and attempt suicide.

What causes mental health illnesses and disorders?

There is no single cause for mental illness. It can affect anyone, irrespective of age, race, or social class. Personality, life experiences, and physical health can all play a part in someone developing a mental health problem. Some people are genetically more predisposed to these types of illnesses, whilst others can develop one because of a single violent or shocking incident.

Stress and trauma can be triggers. Whether it happens to the individual themselves, or someone close to them, distressing experiences can have a major effect on physical and mental well-being.

Events such as:

• Death or loss of a loved one.
• Divorce and separation.
• Pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a parent.
• Workplace stress or changes in the job role.
• Violence, sexual, physical, or verbal abuse and assault.
• Domestic abuse and coercive or controlling behaviour.
• Childhood neglect, trauma, or abuse.
• Serious, chronic, life-altering, and terminal illness or accident.
• Natural disasters, war zones and conflict.

Other factors that can contribute to the risk of developing a mental illness include:

• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain.
• Drug or alcohol use.
• A family history of mental health problems.
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation.

It is also important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time. Along with experiencing a significant event, individuals can also be affected when the demands placed upon them go beyond their coping abilities. If they must endure long periods of intense pressure, vast responsibility, or excessive stress. For instance, if they are working long hours, caring for a sick relative, or struggling with financial difficulties – any of which can leave individuals depleted and overwhelmed physically and mentally.

Potential early warning signs of a mental health problem

If you are worried that someone you love may be struggling with a mental health problem. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Changes in sleeping or eating. Having low or no energy, over or under-eating.
• Isolating from friends and family. Stopping favourite activities or hobbies.
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness or numbness, as if nothing matters.
• Being on edge, fearful or worried.
• Mood swings, angry and violent outbursts, excessive fighting with loved ones.
• An increase in the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Unexplained aches and pains. Extreme confusion and forgetfulness.
• Disturbing, repetitive, or intrusive thoughts.
• Thoughts of, or talking about, self-harm and suicide.
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true.
• An inability to deal with daily life or responsibilities such as looking after your family or attending work or school.

If you recognise one or more of these symptoms either in yourself or in someone you are close to, or if someone you love is acting erratically and out of character, then talk to them, ask them how they are feeling, try and start a conversation and if in doubt seek professional advice.

Mental health awareness and treatment

Mental health problems are more common than people think, but help is available. People can and do get better, and many recover completely. Treatment often involves therapy and medication or a combination of the two.

Talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioural, which is popular as it teaches an individual to think and behave differently, so they are more able to manage or stop triggering episodes.

Medications such as antidepressants which are favoured for depression will help balance the chemicals in the brain, impacting on mood. They can also be used as a chemical treatment for anxiety, along with anti-anxiety drugs and beta-blockers. Other prescription drugs are available to treat specific conditions; and it is important to get checked out thoroughly by a healthcare professional and to follow their advice.

A more recent breakthrough in treatment for mental health conditions (such as addiction) is TMS or transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation therapy that has proved highly effective in treating neurological conditions.

Personalised rehab clinic in Spain

Located on the Balearic Island of Ibiza, set in a private, idyllic, and tranquil location, our Spanish residential rehab center is the perfect place to get help.
We treat clients with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, drug and alcohol misuse, substance abuse and behavioural addiction, codependency, and trauma.
For more information or details on admission to our rehab center please contact [email protected]