Overview

  • Mental disorders affect everyone, irrespective of age, gender, residence and living standards, even though some groups are at a higher risk for certain illnesses; only the impact varies.
  • The National Mental Health Association of the USA states that “No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who commit suicide have a mental or emotional disorder”. 
  • In order to truly understand how to help those struggling with mental health, we need a buy in from all stakeholders such as family, society, Institutions, Business houses and the government. 

W.H.O defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”.


Early Signs

Amoung Children

  • Changes in weight.
  • Disturbance in eating & sleep patterns.
  • Unusual & persistent sadness and irritability.
  • Sudden loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
  • Sluggishness, Hopelessness & Lower self-esteem.
  • Frequent nightmares.
  • Increased disobedience & aggression.
  • Excessive worries & hyperactive behavior.
  • Change in academic performance. 
  • Increased instances of fighting.
  • Avoiding bed or school.
  • Frequent temper tantrums.
  • Blaming self for everything(Suicidal tendencies).

Some alarming facts

NIMHANS study says, 150 million Indians needed active intervention while fewer than 30 million were getting it.      1 in 20 Indians are suffering from Depression      Recent report says, that every 3 Second there is 1 student who attempts to commit suicide.      Mental Health Research UK, found that 42.5 percent of the employees in India’s corporate sector suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder, which almost makes every 2nd Employee.



 

Early Signs

Among Adolescents & Adults

  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling excessively sad or low
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
  • Avoiding friends and social activities 
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people 
  • Changes in sleeping & eating habits or feeling tired and low energy
  • Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs 
  • Multiple physical ailments without obvious Thinking about suicide 
  • An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance