World Mental Health Day

Mental health problems are a major public health concern, affecting hundreds of millions of people globally and significantly contributing to pressure on healthcare services. 

Common conditions include:

Anxiety disorders - characterised by excessive fear and worry. There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, such as: generalised anxiety disorder (excessive frequent worry), panic disorder (panic attacks), social anxiety disorder (high fear and worry in social situations), separation anxiety disorder (fear or anxiety about separation from those individuals to whom the person has a deep emotional bond), and others. 

Depression - depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and the short-lived emotional responses everyday life.  During a depressive episode, the person experiences depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable or empty) or a frequent loss of pleasure or interest in activities.

Several other symptoms may also present, which include poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or low in energy.

Bipolar Disorder - people with bipolar disorder experience alternating depressive episodes with periods of manic symptoms.  During a depressive episode, the person could experience intensely low mood or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities.  Manic symptoms may include euphoria or irritability, heightened activity or energy, and other symptoms such as increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, amplified self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and impulsive reckless behaviour.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - the prevalence of PTSD and other mental disorders is high in conflict-affected settings. PTSD may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. 

Schizophrenia - characterised by significant impairments in perception and changes in behaviour.  Symptoms may include persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking and behaviour, or extreme agitation.  

Eating Disorders - the broad range of eating difficulties, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or ARFID involve restrictive or excessive eating and preoccupation with food as well as prominent body weight and shape concerns. 

Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders - also known as conduct disorder, is one of two disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders, the other being oppositional defiant disorder.  These are characterised by behaviour problems such as persistent defiance or disobedience that violates the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms, rules, or laws. 

Neurodevelopmental disorders -  including autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) amongst others, arise during the developmental period, and involve significant difficulties in the execution of specific intellectual, motor, language, or social functions.

Mental health through the ages

When we look back at how mental health conditions were treated a century ago in the 1920's they were often viewed as a form of madness and people experiencing them were frequently locked away in asylums. 

These institutions were often overcrowded, understaffed, and lacked proper understanding of mental health diagnoses. The focus was more on segregating individuals deemed 'insane' from society rather than providing effective treatment.

As psychiatry was in its early stages, the treatment options were often incredibly limited, experimental and even harmful. 

They included:

• Psychosurgery - severing neural connections in the brain (lobotomies). 

• Electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT) -  a process involving the inducing of seizures. 

• Insulin coma therapy - inducing comas to 'reset' the brain. 

These therapies, while intended to treat mental illness, often had severe side effects and did not offer lasting solutions. 

There was a common misconception that mental illness was often inherited or a result of moral failings. Individuals who tried to share their experiences and symptoms were usually dismissed by society and the culture at the time was hugely stigmatising. It would take many more decades to shift public perception and improve care. 

Are some more likely to develop mental illness than others?

Anyone can be susceptible to mental illness but risk increases with a family history, exposure to trauma or chronic stress, social disadvantage, a history of abuse, chronic physical illness, and substance misuse.

Biological and genetic factors

Family history - having a parent, sibling, or other close blood relative with a mental illness increases your risk.

Genetics - certain genes can increase vulnerability to conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

Brain differences - changes in brain structure or function can be influenced by genetics or other factors.

Physical health conditions - chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer, or severe brain injuries, can raise the risk of mental health problems.

Psychological Factors

Childhood trauma - abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood are significant risk factors.

Personality traits - individual emotional skills and psychological traits can influence whether someone is protected from or vulnerable to mental health issues.

Previous mental illness - having a history of mental illness can increase the risk of developing another or a co-occurring disorder.

Social and Environmental Factors

Adverse life events - experiencing stressful events such as the death of a loved one, job loss, financial difficulties, or divorce can trigger poor mental health.

Poverty and disadvantage - poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and social inequality are linked to higher risk.

Loneliness and isolation - social isolation and having few healthy relationships can undermine mental well-being.

Discrimination and stigma - experiencing racism, bullying, or other forms of discrimination increases vulnerability.

Substance use - misuse of alcohol or recreational drugs can increase the risk.

Childhood environments - difficulties at school or caring for a relative can also be risk factors for young people.

What is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, although awareness raising activities can commonly span the entire month. 

This day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and partnerships in more than 150 countries.

The main purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental wellbeing. Each year, the day is marked with various activities and events aimed at educating the public, advocating for mental health as a universal human right, and breaking the stigma that often surrounds mental illness.

Over the years, World Mental Health Day has grown in significance and reach, with more and more people recognising the importance of mental wellness. The themes for each year are chosen to reflect current priorities and challenges in mental health care, with this year’s being access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies. 

The World Federation for Mental Health passionately advocates the mantra that 'everyone deserves good mental health' and believes that the 2025 theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health whatever they're going through. They have plenty of promotional materials and ideas for getting involved on their website.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders