The coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected everyone's mental health. According to WHO, more than 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental disorders. WHO says that by 2023 depression will become the second most common disease in the world. mental health
The global burden of disease will far exceed the treatment capabilities of developed and developing countries.
Due to the increasing number of mental illnesses, there is a need for widespread awareness of mental health. This is why many developing countries including India have focused on the possibilities of prevention and treatment of mental diseases.
Thus, mental health is closely related to behavior and is considered the core of physical health and quality of life.
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to one's emotional and psychological state. Our mental health is related to our eating habits, physical activity levels, substance use behaviors, and how we think, feel, and deal with difficult situations. We face mental health every day. A person's mental health is just as important as his or her physical health, and mental health conditions are as real as physical illnesses. It is important to keep this in mind while talking and contacting others.
Why is it important to focus on mental health?
There is a close relationship between physical health and mental health, it has been proven that depression causes heart disease and blood related diseases. Mental disorders affect a person's health behaviors such as eating wisely, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, sexual behavior, drinking and smoking, adhering to medical treatment, etc.
And thus the risk of physical illness increases. Mental illness also causes social problems, such as unemployment, broken families, poverty, drug abuse and crime, etc. Mental illness plays a significant role in the decline in immune activity. The condition of medical patients with depression is worse than that of patients without depression. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease increase the risk of depression.
What is the impact of Covid on mental health?
Corona has also had a negative impact on people's mental health. The disease situation and lockdown have greatly affected the mental health of people. According to a survey, more than 61 percent people in India are worried, sad and angry due to Corona virus. Experts say that the second wave of Corona was serious not only because this time people got infected faster, but also because when it seemed that everything was going well, such a terrible problem returned.
Such situations affect people in many ways, the effect of which is clearly visible in people in the form of stress, depression and irritability. Experts say that in such times, people should pay special attention to both their physical and mental health.
The effect of being locked in homes for a long time and not being able to meet loved ones is clearly visible on people's mental health. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is also being seen in many people, in which people always feel that their hands are dirty, which can lead to infection.
Increasing cases of stress and depression
Experts believe that due to corona, cases of stress and depression among people are also increasing rapidly. Many such people are also coming for treatment who never had heart disease before, but Corona has increased such problems. The reports of deaths and the plight of people during the lockdown have also affected mental health badly. In many cases, it was seen that three members of the family were infected with corona, out of which one died. It has naturally emerged as a deep shock to other people.
How can mental health be improved?
Corona has also given birth to social stigma. If anyone constantly feels changes in their behavior, stress, depression or restlessness, then they must contact a psychiatric specialist. Such patients can be treated. In the early stages of the disease, psychotherapy and in severe cases, medicines can be given to the patient.
Simple Tips to Improve Mental Health Beyond Medicine
- Stay positive about your life and relationships
- Be physically active, do exercise
- Grow your social circle, connect with people
- Try to keep yourself busy and cool
- Set goals, and be positive to achieve them
- Get enough sleep and find opportunities to be near nature
- Strengthen your spirituality, do not worry, contemplate
- Make Yoga and pranayama a part of your daily routine.
- Don't let the pride of ego overwhelm you.
- Make friends and try to drop formalities.
- Do not hesitate to ask for any kind of help when needed
Read More: Thalassemia Treatment in India
