The importance of mental health awareness

According to PAHO, mental health problems are the single largest cause of disabilities in the world. Some of the major disabilities are depression, anxiety, dementia, and alcohol abuse. An estimated 20 per cent of lost healthy days are due to mental issues. And globally, only an estimated 10 per cent of people who need attention or treatment for mental health problems receive it.

One of the most common mental health issues is anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. Anxiety is a type of fear usually associated with the perception of a threat or something going wrong in the present or the future and is one of the most common mental health problems that can occur. 

Symptoms can include:

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
• Having an increased heart rate or palpitations.
• Breathing rapidly.
• Sweating.
• Nausea.
• Trembling.
• Feeling weak or tired.
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO CONTRIBUTE TO POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH?

• Normalise talking about mental health Awareness, in the home and in the workplace.
• Encourage management to lead by example.
• Share your own experience.
• Listen without judgement.
• Provide resources to employees.
• Educate yourself and your family and colleagues.
• Offer flexible work arrangements.
• Create a safe home and work environment.
• Create a mental health policy.
• Provide mental health training.
• Create a positive work environment.
• Celebrate mental health awareness.