The best way to reduce the stigma surrounding different mental health issues is to raise awareness about them.
Read on as we include facts that will help demonstrate how mental health issues can affect everyone in some way possible.
How Common Is Mental Illness?
Mental health is the state of a person’s cognitive, behavioural, and emotional wellbeing.
Studies show that mental health among Australians is worsening in all age groups. While this may be because of several factors, one fact stands out. It is the stigma present in most mental disorders hinders many people from receiving the treatment they deserve.
The stigma surrounding mental health and lack of access to proper care are common problems in Australia and around the world.
Over the years, several campaigns and programs have been aimed at reducing the stigma around mental illness. The effort has somehow paid off, as there is progress in making the conversations surrounding these topics feel “normal.”
Today, as the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes in everyone’s life, the discussions on mental health are becoming increasingly common. More people are now starting to open up and reach up for help.
7 Facts on Mental Health
Here are some startling facts on mental health to promote awareness for all.
1 in five Australians will experience a mental illness
Mental disorders are among Australia’s leading causes of disability and ill-health, affecting one in every five people in their lifetime.
Suicidal ideation continues to increase among teenagers and adults
In 2018, there were 3,046 deaths by suicide recorded in Australia, which is an average of eight fatalities every year.
The national rate of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts has increased every year since the national survey in 2007. The pandemic resulted in a larger increase compared to the past years and is a concerning trend in overall mental health.
The majority of mental disorders are neither server nor permanent.
The term mental health refers to a spectrum ranging from good health to severe illness. And the large proportion of mental disorders is, in fact, neither severe nor enduring.
With the right treatment, mental illnesses are mild, moderate, and usually short-lived.
Gender matters in mental health disorders.
Research shows that depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders are more prevalent in women than men. Whereas other conditions such as schizophrenia and substance abuse are more common in men.
Diet impacts mental health.
One’s eating behaviour has a significant influence on their state of mental wellbeing.
Conversely, there is growing evidence that food choices are also a factor in developing some mental illnesses such as depression, Alzheimer’s, etc.
Several factors contribute to mental illness.
Many factors can contribute to the development of a mental disorder, including trauma or history of abuse, grief, loss of a loved one, biological factors, and family history of mental illness.
Watch for the common signs.
Every mental disorder indeed has its unique symptoms. However, there are common signs to each of them, such as sudden changes in behaviour, rapid loss of weight, excessive worrying or fear, problems concentrating, and isolation.
How to Seek Help for a Mental Health Problem
Despite the stigmas surrounding poor mental health, those experiencing the signs should seek treatment as soon as possible. While most mental illnesses are preventable, they do not improve on their own unless first aid or medical care is involved.
Several options are available for treatment, but no one size fits all in treating mental health issues. In most cases, the best solution is a combination of treatment, but one notable thing to start with is mental health first aid.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid
Mental health first aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to different mental disorders. This course aims to encourage open conversation and provide effective first aid treatment.
For more information about the MHFA course, visit our page or contact us at courses@firstaidpro.com.au.
