Mental illness and reducing stigma and mental reources

It depicts the mental wellness and stigma regardig mental illness and some tips for better mental wealth. Some mental health resources.

1. MENTAL HEALTH

2. What is mental health? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Mental Health is an essential component of overall well-being. It affects how we feel, think and behave, and how we handle stress, communicate with others, and make decisions.

3. Some common data 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder The WHO also estimates that 1 in 4 people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Around 8 million people all over the world people dies due to mental illness which is 15 percent of total deaths.

4. Common mental health disorders

5. Mood Disorder Mood disorders: Such as depression or bipolar disorder, which can cause episodes of mania and depression

6. Trauma related disorder Trauma-related disorders: Such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause people to re-experience traumatic events in the present, avoid thoughts and memories of the event, and have persistent perceptions of heightened current threat.

7. Psychotic disorders Psychotic disorders: Such as schizophrenia, which can cause disruptions to thinking and emotions, and a distorted perception of reality.

8. Self stigma Self-stigma is when someone with a mental illness or other health condition internalizes negative attitudes about themselves, such as shame or embarrassment. This can lead to low self-esteem, self-worth, and self-efficacy, which is the belief that you can accomplish things.

9. Public stigma Public stigma is a set of negative attitudes and beliefs that can lead people to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illness. It can also refer to stereotypes of people with behavioural health conditions. Public stigma can include: Discrimination, Devaluation, Shame, and Blaming family members.

10. Institutional stigma Institutional stigma is a type of systemic stigma that refers to the policies or culture of negative attitudes and beliefs that organizations and governments have towards stigmatized individuals. These policies can intentionally or unintentionally restrict the rights and opportunities of people with mental health conditions.

11. Mental health treatments People has to understand that mental illness is not a choice but it is a type of disease which has a proper treatment.

12. Media and theatres Taare Zameen Par (2007) – The movie tells the story of a young boy named Ishaan, who struggles with dyslexia, which remains undiagnosed for a long time. His struggles are given a new meaning and are treated with empathy when his art teacher, played by Aamir Khan, discovers the root of his difficulties. Dear Zindagi (2016) – This movie revolves around the life of a young woman named Kaira , played by Alia Bhatt, who seeks help from a therapist, played by ShahRukh Khan, to deal with her anxiety and childhood trauma. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010) – The movie features Farhan Akhtar as Karthik, a timid man who receives mysterious calls from his own number from an unknown caller, which changes his life. The movie highlights the issue of schizophrenia and how people with mental illness can often get isolated and misunderstood.

13. Some other strategies Anti-Stigma Campaigns*: Public campaigns that address misconceptions and encourage open dialogue about mental health are effective in changing attitudes. Campaigns such as Time to Change in the UK and Heads Together have successfully increased awareness and reduced stigma through media engagement, storytelling, and community activities. Legislative and Policy Reforms: Ensuring legal protections against discrimination for individuals with mental health conditions is essential. Policies should promote equitable access to mental health services, support in the workplace, and reasonable accommodations in educational institutions. Governments must invest in mental health infrastructure, ensuring that services are available, affordable, and culturally sensitive. Workplace Mental Health Programs: Employers can create inclusive workplaces by implementing mental health programs that support employee well-being. Initiatives such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health days, and training for managers on recognizing and addressing mental health issues can reduce stigma and promote a healthier work environment

14. Promoting mental wellness Mental health promotion interventions improve overall wellbeing and are delivered in the settings where people live, work, learn, and thrive. In order to maximize impact, mental health promotion activities must be linked closely with mental health services, and engage a variety of health and non-health (e.g. education, labor , social welfare, justice, environment, etc.) sectors. 

15. Life style changes Try to relax, reduce stress, and improve your sleep. You can also try relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing. Other lifestyle changes that can help include eating healthy, spending time in nature, and connecting with others.

16. Connect with others Stay connected with people, find a support system, and reach out for support on social media.

17. Practice gratitude Think about or write down things you're thankful for, like the support of loved ones or a nice meal.

18. Mental health resources

19. Better sleep School-age children should go to bed between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Teens should try to go to bed between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. Adults should try to go to sleep between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

20. Healthy eating Healthy eating has many benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. A person may also boost their mood and gain more energy by maintaining a balanced diet

21. Counselling and support Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing emotional pain or making you feel uncomfortable.   It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views.

22. Conclusion Mental health awareness and reducing stigma are integral to a healthy society. We need to recognize that mental health is not a choice, and not something that can be control by someone. Our health is our health and is in our hand don’t give control to other person to ruin or destroy your life.