Mental illnesses are health conditions that upset a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in chemical imbalances in the brain. The most common chemical imbalances related to mental conditions pertain to serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine but there are a myriad of others. This chemical imbalance causes a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Some studies show that up to 25 per cent of the population at any one time can experience mental problems. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. The World Health Organisation has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, depression will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children. Mental disorders fall along a range of severities.
Even though mental conditions are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion, six per cent. These are the sufferers of serious mental illness. Notwithstanding, 20 per cent of all families in the world have someone suffering with mental problems.
Mental problems often emerge in adolescence and young adulthood. This is of course the prime of life and it is because of this that these illnesses often influence one's future both socially and academically.
Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are overwhelming: Unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration and, unfortunately, suicide. In the US, the annual economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $100 billion. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective and between 70 and 90 per cent of individuals have a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.
There are various medications used to treat mental conditions and most of them are so specific to the chemicals they need to target that they carry few unwanted effects. Psychosocial treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and peer support groups. Other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and assist recovery. Accessibility of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends and meaningful volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.
Early recognition and treatment is of fundamental importance. Ensuring access to the treatment and recovery supports that are effective accelerates recovery. Thus, further harm related to the course of illness is minimised.
Mental conditions are real, treatable health conditions. Stigma of mental conditions has given an unnecessary sense of hopelessness to patients and families. These people have built attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery. It is time to take these barriers down. This depends on you and me. Never say it does not concern me right now. One fine day it can hit home.
• Dr Cassar is a psychiatrist and a member of Parliament.
Some studies show that up to 25 per cent of the population at any one time can experience mental problems. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. The World Health Organisation has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in developed countries are mental disorders. By 2020, depression will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children. Mental disorders fall along a range of severities.
Even though mental conditions are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion, six per cent. These are the sufferers of serious mental illness. Notwithstanding, 20 per cent of all families in the world have someone suffering with mental problems.
Mental problems often emerge in adolescence and young adulthood. This is of course the prime of life and it is because of this that these illnesses often influence one's future both socially and academically.
Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are overwhelming: Unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration and, unfortunately, suicide. In the US, the annual economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $100 billion. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective and between 70 and 90 per cent of individuals have a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.
There are various medications used to treat mental conditions and most of them are so specific to the chemicals they need to target that they carry few unwanted effects. Psychosocial treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and peer support groups. Other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and assist recovery. Accessibility of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends and meaningful volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.
Early recognition and treatment is of fundamental importance. Ensuring access to the treatment and recovery supports that are effective accelerates recovery. Thus, further harm related to the course of illness is minimised.
Mental conditions are real, treatable health conditions. Stigma of mental conditions has given an unnecessary sense of hopelessness to patients and families. These people have built attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery. It is time to take these barriers down. This depends on you and me. Never say it does not concern me right now. One fine day it can hit home.
• Dr Cassar is a psychiatrist and a member of Parliament.