WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

World Mental Health Day or Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October in the world and in Ukraine.

Mental (mental) health - is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with life's stresses, fulfil their potential, learn and work, and contribute to society. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective ability to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.

Pros. information According to the World Health Organisation, one in eight people in the world lives with a mental disorder, which can affect their physical health, well-being, interactions with others and livelihoods. Mental disorders are also increasingly affecting adolescents and young people.

Mental disorders have negative consequences for the spread of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, cancer, and increase mortality from cancer. People with mental disorders are more prone to smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, destructive behaviour and related consequences, sleep disorders, etc.

The main goal of this day is to reduce the prevalence of diseases associated with mental disorders.

Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disorders, as well as other mental conditions associated with significant stress, impaired functioning or risk of harm.

What causes mental illness?

There is no single causes of mental illness. There are a number of risk factors for developing mental illness, including genetic factors, low levels of education, alcohol and drug use, unhealthy diet, chronic diseases, obesity and other metabolic risks, social violence, emotional and physical abuse and neglect, stressful work, job loss, war, etc.

How to support mental health?

Mental and physical health are equally important components of a person's overall health. For example, depression increases the risk of health problems, especially diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Similarly, having a chronic illness can increase the risk of mental illness.

The experts gave some advice, How to maintain your mental and physical health:

- Exercise regularly. As little as 30 minutes of walking or exercising every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Research shows that physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity also prevents non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and some cancers;

- Eat healthy food and avoid dehydration. Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water can improve your mood and concentration throughout the day;

- take care of your sleep. Stick to a schedule and make sure you get enough sleep;

- Try a relaxation class. Explore relaxation or wellness programmes that may include meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises;

- Set goals and priorities. Decide what needs to be done now and what can wait. Learn to say no to new tasks if you start to feel like you are taking on too much. Try to remember what you have achieved at the end of the day, not what you failed to do;

- Focus on the positive. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts;

- reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help;

- Seek help from a psychiatrist if you experience serious or disturbing symptoms that last for 2 weeks or more, such as thoughts of death or suicide, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, difficulty concentrating, constant feelings of fatigue and loss of energy, etc.

Do not wait until your symptoms become overwhelming. If you notice symptoms of overwhelm, depression, emotional instability in yourself, your family or friends, be sure to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist, they will help your mental health or the mental health of your loved ones.

https://phc.org.ua/news/dbaymo-pro-psikhichne-zdorovya-kilka-porad-yak-yogo-pidtrimati

https://redcross.org.ua/news/2023/10/56773/

V. Yurkevych, a municipal hygiene doctor