Mental Health Awareness
Along with physical health, mental health is equally important, and in this age of small families and mechanisation the problem has grown further. But many misconceptions about mental health persist in our society, because of which people are reluctant to seek mental health care.
Some misconceptions common in society:
- Mental illness is not really real.
- Children do not get mental illnesses.
- Mental problems never get better.
- Mental illness is caused by sin.
- Mentally ill people always behave aggressively.
- Mental problems are caused by possession by jinn.
All of the above are misconceptions. We should move past these misconceptions, become aware about mental health, and seek professional help when needed. According to the World Health Organization, a large number of people worldwide die each year from causes related to mental problems, and one in four people suffers from a mental problem at some point in life. According to Bangladesh's National Mental Health Survey 2018–19, 14 percent of children aged 7 to 17 and 16.8 percent of adults suffer from mental illness; among adults, 6.7 percent have depression and 4.5 percent have anxiety disorders.
How do you know you need mental health care?
Since one in four people goes through mental difficulty at some point in life, you too may need this care — and that is completely normal. If you notice that your normal activities and your social and professional life are being disrupted, and you cannot manage it on your own in any way, then it is necessary to seek mental health care.
