Mental health is one of the most significant aspects of a person’s well-being. Keeping this in mind, World Health Organization (WHO) has designated April 4th as ‘World Health Day,’ dedicated to raising awareness around mental health. The theme this year is ‘Building a Fairer, Healthier World,’ reflecting on the inequalities in mental healthcare access and support across the globe.
According to WHO, every year approximately one in four people across the world experiences mental health disorders. Although the prevalence of mental disorders varies from country to country, the global average is similar for all genders, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Mental health includes a range of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others. While some of these disorders can be traced back to genetics or biology, many are caused by environmental factors, traumatic experiences, stress, and substance abuse.
Although mental health disorders are often associated with negative stigmas, mental illness is a common and treatable health condition. With proper medical treatment, therapy, and support, people with mental health disorders can recover and lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought mental health issues to the forefront. The pandemic has caused widespread anxiety, stress, and depression, leading to the emergence of “pandemic fatigue.” It has disrupted daily routines, isolated individuals, and caused financial and job insecurity. As a result, the demand for mental health services has surged, creating an urgent need for accessible and affordable mental health care.
To tackle these challenges, the United Nations has laid out goals for sustainable development, including promoting mental health, reducing stigma, and providing accessible mental health care to all. Many organizations worldwide are working towards these goals by raising awareness, developing policies, and providing treatment and support to people with mental health disorders.
Conclusively, mental health is crucial in ensuring overall well-being, and World Health Day aims to raise awareness and call for action to combat mental illness. It is essential to recognize and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders to create equal opportunities for access to mental health care. With increased awareness and access, we can work towards building a fairer and healthier world for everyone.
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