World Mental Health Day: 10 facts that you should know about mental illness!

Zee Media Bureau/Ritu Singh

New Delhi: Despite advancements in education and medical science, mental illness in our society is still considered a stigma. Basically neglected and frowned upon, mental disorders are not taken seriously in our society which then escalates to menacing heights. For several Indians, the subject of mental health is still a taboo. Look around, anyone could be suffering from a mental illness but won't voice his/her concern because of the fear of being judged. World Mental Health Day is an endeavour to raise awareness about such mental disorders and promote a healthy thinking.

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

Here are some facts enumerated by WHO which you should know:

1. Around 20% of the world's children and adolescents have mental disorders or problems
2. Mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide
3. About 23% of all years lost because of disability is caused by mental and substance use disorders.
4. About 800 000 people commit suicide every year
5. War and disasters have a large impact on mental health and psychosocial well-being
6. Mental disorders are important risk factors for other diseases, as well as unintentional and intentional injury
7. Stigma and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care
8. Human rights violations of people with mental and psychosocial disability are routinely reported in most countries
9. Globally, there is huge inequity in the distribution of skilled human resources for mental health
10. There are 5 key barriers to increasing mental health services availability