Every year on October 10, the world observes World Mental Health Day. On this day, many organizations and public health ministries raise awareness about mental health and advocate against social stigma. Millions of people around the world are affected on a psychological and emotional level; however, a lot of them do not have access to proper resources to seek help and undergo treatments. Also, mental health is taboo in many societies. The Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon has created an awareness video to observe this day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA3LmY-Zxbg&feature=share During the launch of the
Mental Health Campaign of 2017
, the Lebanese Minister of Public Health Ghassan Hasbani announced that the ministry will start covering mental health with the support of the World Bank as of 2018. Also, the ministry is working on establishing eight mental health centers and covering the cost of hospitalization for patients in psychiatric hospitals. The world needs to approach this issue in a better way. Mental health should be a topic of discussion in schools, universities, work, and communities since it affects the way we think and feel. Also, if people are educated about mental health, it would be easier to detect its early signs. The problem is that there is a lack of resources and professionals that can inform people on this matter.
These are few of the early signs of mental health problems:
- Eating and sleeping disorders
- Low energy
- Mood swings
- Getting distant from family and friends
- Loss of interest in usually enjoyed activities
- Self-harm
- Inability to perform daily tasks
If people were more aware of the symptoms of mental health disorders, it would be easier to detect it. Treating a psychological disorder is simpler when it is in its early stages. Mental health is as important as physical health. It’s time to raise awareness!