5 facts about mental illness

Mental illness is a medical condition that causes severe disturbances in thoughts and/or behaviours. According to experts, there are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. The stigma associated with mental illness prevents people from talking about it and getting treated. Not only is mental illness not accepted in the society but also not understood well. People often misunderstand the term and the symptoms which makes it all the more difficult for a person suffering from the disease.This World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 every year across the world, pledge to educate people about mental illness and break the taboo by discussing this serious health problem in an open room. Read five facts and myths about mental illness.

5 Facts about Mental illness

Fact#1: Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents suffer from mental illness.
Fact#2: India has less than 4,000 psychiatrists to treat mentally ill people.
Fact#3: 7.5% of Indians suffer from mental illness.
Fact#4: Fewer than 10% people receive treatment.
Fact#5: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-years-olds in the world.

5 Myths about Mental illness

Myth#1: People with mental illness are psycho, mad, crazy and dangerous- It is inhumane to call them with these names to the patients who are suffering from any mental health problem. They are normal humans like us. It is not their fault if their brain produces negative emotions or thoughts. It is a mental health problem just like a physical health problem.

Myth#2: People with mental health problems are weak: Mental illness has nothing to do with willpower or weakness. Do you call a person weak, if he/she got high fever or broken leg? No, in a similar way, mental health problems should not be seen as a sign of weakness, it is a medical condition.

Myth#3: Mentally ill people are violent: No, mentally ill people are not dangerous or violent, in fact they are prone to be a victim of violence.

Myth#4: It is just a phase, every one gets depressed you will get through it: Sometimes it might be a phase, but not every time. If you feel your friend, any family member or you yourself have symptoms of any mental health problems for more than three weeks then, you should definitely consult a psychiatrist.

Myth#5: You are too young to get mental health problems: Mental health problems may affect children and youth as well, the age has nothing to do with mental illness. In fact youth are most prone to get mental health-related problems, WHO says, 20 percent of the world’s children and adolscents suffer from mental illness.

Source: Times Now News