NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH - by Sade Omatsuli

Introduction

At least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life and one in six adults have a mental health problem at any one time. One in ten children aged between 5 and 16 years has a mental health problem, and many continue to have mental health problems into adulthood. Half of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14. Almost half of all adults will experience at least one episode of depression during their lifetime. One in ten new mothers experiences postnatal depression. About one in 100 people has a severe mental health problem. These statistics indicates the prevalent of mental health problem with range of causes from genetic, to trauma, to drug and alcohol abuse chemical imbalance just to name a few with adverse impact affecting not just the individual that suffers with mental illness but their families, communities and the society at large. The purpose of this lecture is to provide basic information to raise awareness and promote mental health to the th attendees at the 40 year reunion celebration of the graduates set of 1984, so they can have bet ter understanding and take responsibility for their individual mental health. Mental health is about how people think, feel and behave. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction and other disorders affects individual's thoughts feelings and behaviors. The lecture aims to explore both global and local statistics of mental health condition. It will explore the definition of mental health and mental disorders, debunk some misconception and myth about mental health, describe the signs and symptoms of mental illness and offer some ideas and tips on positive mental health and to generate discussion on how to maintain a good mental health.

HEALTH IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health issues impose an enormous disease burden on societies globally. Depression alone affects 350 million people globally and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

What is mental health?

A State of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and he is able to make a contribution to his or her community. (W.H.O, 2014). A person with good mental health will therefore be at peace with himself, others and the community or societyat large.

What is mental disorder?

A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual cognition, emotional regulation or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological , biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. I t is usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational or other important activities. Prevalence varies depending on type and cut across the lifespan. In the general population it is estimated that between 10-18% suffers from mental disorders of mild to moderate severity, while 1% suffers from more severe disturbances. It is also estimated that between 20- 40% of people attending medical outpatient clinics suffers from mental disorders either in addition to a physical ailment or as the only condition responsible for their presentation

Childhood - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Autistic spectrum disorders , mental retardation/ learning disability.

Adult- Depression/ Anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, Substance use disorders

Elderly (Geriatric)- various types of Dementia, progression of Adult mental disorders

Misconception about mental illness

• Mental illness is caused by supernatural power and it is the result of a curse or possession by evil spirit.

• Mentally ill people show bizarre behaviours.

• They are dangerous- and as such viewed with suspicion has been a dangerous person Mental illness is not curable

• When a mentally ill enters the market, it becomes irredeemable

Myth about mental illness

Mental illness is not medical illness like heart disease and Diabetes

I am not vulnerable to Mental illness Mental illness is the result of bad parenting or bad character

Attitude to mental illness: Attitudes of the people towards mentally ill, no matter whether in the hospital, community or hospital community integrated service or psychiatric hospital is negative. In the era of rapid development of technology and civilization, there has been some improvement intolerance and attitudes. However, there are still many people who have pessimistic and negative attitude towards mental illness. Some believe that mental illness cannot be treated. Some still believe that mental illness is cause by demons, supernatural means and as a retribution for sin or superstitious belief and that people with mental illness are violent and unstable and therefore should be locked away. This obviously is not true.

Signs and symptoms of Depression: If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness and loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities. Others are: Decreased energy or fatigue, moving or talking more slowly, feeling restless or having trouble sitting still, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping, appetite and/or weight changes, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts, aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.

Schizophrenia-Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts and experiences that seems out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behaviour and decreases participation in daily activities, thought disorders, delusion, belief that an ordinary event has special and personal meaning, belief that thoughts are not one's own, slowness in activity.

Effect of poor mental health: Affect job performance and productivity, Affect work engagement, Affect communication with co-workers, Affect capability and daily functioning. Depression interferes with ability to complete job task by 20% and cognitive performance by35%.

Tips for living with mental disorders: Stick to treatment plan- even if you feel well or better, don't stop therapy or taking medication Keep your physician updated Learn about the disorder Practice self-care Reach out to family and friends.

Prevention of Mental illness

• Primary –stopping mental health problem before they start-mental health awareness, anti-stigma campaign

• Secondary- supporting those that are at higher risk-people with chronic condition, those that have experienced trauma-rape, insurgency, and IDPs.

• Tertiary-helping people with mental illness to stay well.

Tips for optimal Mental health

Much of maintaining good mental health entails developing the skills to cope with the ups and downs of every day life. Note that failure and challenges are a NORMAL part of life and that life is a teacher or school, when you stumble, learn from it and move on. The following will help: Improve your mood by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, finding a job you enjoy, investing in face to face relationship with people you trust, avoiding your stressors in life, sleeping well –brain rejuvenates and restores, finding a purpose in life and ensuring the balance work and leisure. Spirituality/ religious belief and activities have also been found to be protective and avoidance of mind altering substances.

Conclusion

Mental and behavioural health disorders are common and are associated with a substantial burden for individuals, their families and the communities. Knowledge is power. Early detection and intervention is key. ACT NOW.

Mrs Sade Omatsuli (Mi Ayetola) RMN, BA(Hons), MBA, CMgr.

Service Director

Haringey Community Mental Health Services.

North London NHS Foundation Trust.