10 Shocking Facts about Mental Health Conditions
Healthful Vitality | 08/01/2021 | By NP Editorial Team | 10 Shocking Facts about Mental Health Conditions
There are numerous myths and stigmas associated with mental health conditions. Many fail to understand the difference between mental health and mental illness. When mental health is something that everyone would have, mental illness is a condition that a person can slip into due to various factors.
As per research, one in five US adults has psychological disorders. It happens due to a plethora of reasons, ranging from genetics to a stressful work environment. Even though the number is alarming, only a few people are aware of the need to take care of their mental health.
With misconceptions and fear of expressing oneself, many people are unable to gain mental health treatment. Here, we will emphasize ten shocking facts associated with mental health conditions. It can help you gain a better understanding of bringing in psychological care.
Fact 1: Mental Health Conditions can Affect Children
During childhood days, rapid developments happen in a child’s brain. Due to these changes, the child would be acquiring emotional and cognitive skills. The child’s upbringing and the people involved in their lives play a crucial role in these factors. However, they can have an impact on a child’s mental health.
As per the report published by CDC in 2016, one in eight children in the US has mental disorders. Some common illnesses include Hyper or Deficit Activity Disorder (ADHD), behavioral and anxiety issues.
When it comes to adolescents between 15 and19, UNICEF considers it as a critical age group. According to their data, one of the top reasons adolescents lose their life is due to self-harm. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD are conditions leading to self harm in them. Besides that, the pandemic and the implementation of quarantines have affected children adversely, causing fear and anxiety.
Fact 2: All People with Mental Health Issues are Not Violent
The stigma associated with mental health issues is high, and numerous people try to connect mental illness with violence. Even though some people can be violent, it doesn’t mean anyone with concerns about their mental health is violent. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, people having these illnesses won’t be at high risk for violence. Studies show that a person with mental health becomes violent due to substance abuse or personality disorder.
There was another research by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions with 34653 participants. Here, they found that violent behavior was the highest in people who used substances. They also stressed that a person with severe mental health illnesses doesn’t have to be violent. However, it has a connection with their living conditions, health, and history.
Fact 3: Mental Illnesses are Treatable, but Not Curable
Everyone has mental health as it is similar to your physical health. But, when a person slips into issues (family, work-related, environmental), it becomes a mental illness.
Even though mental illnesses are non-curable, they are treatable. Depending upon the issue, their intensity can vary. As per Dr. Tracy Marks, there can be stages of remission and relapse in mental health issues. The symptoms can go away, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t return. However, by taking proper care and treatment, you can reduce the problems associated with the mental health condition.
As per the available data, only one-half of the people in the US receive treatment or care for mental issues. When you consider a particular concern, for instance, depression, 35% of adults in the US are not getting any form of medical attention.
Fact 4: Mental Illness and Mental Retardation are Two Different Conditions
Many people confuse a mental illness like depression for mental retardation. But, in reality, they are two different conditions that can affect a person’s life. When it comes to mental illness, it happens due to stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors. But, mental retardation is a condition where a person would have a lower intellectual ability.
Doctors can diagnose mental retardation from childhood, and it can be mild to severe. Even though there is no cure for mental illness and retardation, as per a research, you can take precautions while the baby is in the womb. Taking genetic counseling could also help when it comes to mental retardation. Besides that, a person with retardation can slip into mental health concerns too.
Fact 5: Mental Issues may Occur Due to Genetic and Environmental Factors
As mentioned, there is a chance that your genetic roots could cause psychiatric disorders. They might run in the family, but it is a probability. According to a research study, if both your parents have mental health concerns, the chances of having bipolar disorder is 40/100. When it comes to schizophrenia, it is 45/100. However, in most cases, the severity of the symptoms is mild.
Akin to genetics, the environmental conditions in which a person lives can also influence their mental health. Another study with 349 monozygotic and 321 dizygotic pairs found there could be trait-specific genetic issues. Along with genetic components, environmental factors can have a moderate form of influence on psychological concerns.
Fact 6: Therapies and Medications can Improve Your Mental Health
There are numerous myths and misconceptions related to the usage of medication and therapies for improving mental health. However, taking mental illness treatments can be highly beneficial for your holistic wellbeing. Indeed, mental health is associated with a person’s well-being. Doctors would focus on finding out the symptoms and how long they have lasted before proceeding with a treatment plan.
Along with that, they would conduct physical examinations as well. It is only after these analyses that your psychiatrist would put you on a treatment plan. It would include medication or/and therapy, as it depends upon your health conditions.
But, taking proper care can reduce the severity of the symptoms and put you in a state of remission. Through the different treatment plans that could include communication building, your brain can rearrange the connections of the neurotransmitters. They can be highly beneficial in enhancing your life quality.
Fact 7: Psychological Concerns Increase with Trauma
Trauma can play a crucial role when it comes to affecting the mental health of a person. For instance, there could be short instances of trauma that happened once in your life. There can be cases where trauma has affected you multiple times. One of the best examples is war and how it can change the life of a person.
When a person slips into Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can adversely impact their mental health. So, it is essential to provide trauma-informed mental health care. Through this, you can reduce the challenges associated with it. Many people present trauma, which can occur due to the death of a family member or someone close, like a situation that can fade away. Not many people are aware of the consequences of PTSD on mental health.
Fact 8: People in the LGBTQIA+ Communities are Likely to Slip into Psychological Issues
Research shows that there is twice a chance for people from the LGBTQIA+ community to get mental health conditions. When it comes to transgender people, it is four times. The reason behind this includes societal stigma, pressure, the fear of coming out, rejection, and prejudice.
Along with these factors, discrimination and hostility also add to the problems faced by people from the LGBTQIA+ communities. They can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal attempts, and PTSD. So, providing support and becoming an ally can help overcome these issues. The Pride movement is playing a crucial role in assisting the LGBTQIA+ community in building togetherness and connection.
Fact 9: Substance Abuse Increases the Chances of Psychological Disorders
As per research, one in four individuals in the US who use substances have higher chances of getting mental health problems. Usage of substances like drugs and alcohol can create new symptoms. Because of substance abuse and lack of mental health care, many people are facing challenging times.
Erika Ball, the founder of We are Those People, has stated during her Ted talk that providing the correct information can bring about a change. When it comes to the number of people losing their lives due to drug abuse, Ball stated that 192 people die in America every day due to this. She emphasizes bringing in listening and communication as an act of supporting those who are facing substance abuse disorder.
Fact 10: People with Psychological Issues can also Lead a Productive Life
Anyone can slip into mental health concerns due to their life circumstances. Recently, you might have read how an American athlete, Simone Biles, withdrew from Tokyo Olympics due to these issues. Even though psychological problems can impact you, it doesn’t mean that you cannot lead a productive life.
With effective treatment and care, you can improve your productivity. It can also bring satisfaction and happiness. When it comes to a work environment, spreading awareness and educating about the symptoms can assist in overcoming the stigma. It is essential to remember that mental health conditions can’t define you. Considering them as your strength can help you in the long run.