Ministry of Health
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It ’ s time to destigmatize mental health
By Dr . Cleopa Mailu , CS Health
The 2016 World Mental Health Day theme ‘ Dignity in mental health – psychological and mental health first aid for all ’ provides an opportunity for us to focus on mental health needs and psychosocial support for individuals , families , getting the right help in crisis .
The World Health Organization defines Mental health as the state of wellbeing in which individuals actualizes life potentials and abilities , cope with stress of life , work productivity and 2 make contributions to the community . Mental health includes our emotional , psychological , and social well-being . It affects how we think , feel and act as we cope with life . It also helps determine how we handle stress , relate to others , and make choices . Mental health is important at every stage of life , from childhood and adolescence through adulthood .
Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking , mood , and behavior . There are many causes of mental disorders , gene , biological functioning and environmental factors . Your genes and family history may play a role e . g . your life experiences , such as stress or a history of abuse , traumatic life events may also matter . Mental disorders are common , have preventable measures but treatments are available .
Stigma is a key problem for individuals with mental illness , as it may prevent them from seeking treatment and contribute to negative interactions with friends , peers , employers , landlords , and law enforcement . Thus , reducing the stigma associated with mental illness may be a critical step in prevention and early intervention for mental disorders and may improve the quality of life of individuals with mental illness .
Part of the problem is that people don ’ t know the signs and symptoms of mental illness , which can result in years of needless suffering . But the bigger issue is that even when we do suspect that something is amiss , the stigma of mental illness often prevents us from telling our stories . This needs to change so that everyone can get the help they need to thrive .
But the roots of stigma run deep in our society , and they feed on fear and ignorance e . g . social cultural beliefs , mental disorders were often thought to reflect the unhappiness of the gods , or serve as proof that someone was possessed by demons . The unfortunate reality is that those battling mental illness are likely to endure higher unemployment , have worse physical health , live in poorer housing and suffer discrimination in many areas of their lives .
Recent research indicates that Mental , Neurological and Substance ( MNS ) use disorders lifetime prevalence is 25 %, which translates to 1 in every 4 people will suffer form MNS at some point in their life time . It is estimated that 20 -40 per cent of patients seen in primary care have one or more mental disorders with projection that the burden of mental , neurological and
substance use disorders will be 15 % of the total Disability Adjusted Life Years in 2020 higher than the 12 % in 2000 . This enormous burden to the healthcare system and socioeconomic development puts mental health into sharp focus and the time to act is now .
As a government , we want to play our part to revitalize mental health systems and services , while also changing the conversation about mental health for the better . In order to change our nation ’ s mind-set around the mind , we need to start talking about mental health . The task before us now is fourfold . First , is mental health promotion and fitness . Second we must help people understand the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and substance-use disorders . Third , we must shatter the stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment . Fourth , we must create more effective prevention and treatment resources and embed them in the places where we live , work , worship and learn .
Mental illness does not discriminate . It can strike anyone at any time . Fortunately , recovery is possible . Treatment works , but only if a person can get it . When something is wrong in the brain or the mind , it affects the whole person . As we continue to work to reform our health care system , we cannot overlook the importance of including mental health care in the equation . One of my personal goals as Cabinet Secretary for Health is to work toward better integration of mental health services into the rest of medical care . Health care reform is about making sure that everyone who needs it has access to whatever kind of health care he or she needs — including mental health care .
38 November-December 2016