Development and Mental Health

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgement of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals.

According to the World’s Mental Health Association, Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.

People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions.

Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma.

What are mental disorders?

Mental disorders (or mental illnesses) are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They may be occasional or long-lasting (chronic). They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day.

What are some types of mental disorders?

There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include:

• Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias

• Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders

• Eating disorders

• Personality disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

Who is affected?

• Mental illness indirectly affects all people, at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

• In any given year, 1 in 5 people will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

• Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.

• Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

How common is it?

• By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.

• Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.

• Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.

• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.

• The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.

What causes it?

• A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors causes mental illnesses.

• Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.

• Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.

• Mental illnesses can be treated effectively

Mental Health Between Men and Woman

Mental health problems affect women and men equally, but some are more common among women while Men are more likely than women to have alcohol or drug problems.

Abuse is often a factor in women’s mental health problems. Treatments need to be sensitive to and reflect gender differences.

Various social factors put women at greater risk of poor mental health than men. However women’s readiness to talk about their feelings and their strong social networks can help protect their mental health.

When is a good time to reach out for help?

Issues related to mental health can impact different people in different ways. If you start to see changes in your overall happiness and relationships, that is the time to reach out for help. there are always ways to get the support you want.