Just think, according to the WHO, in the United States, about 20% of the adult population suffers from some kind of mental disorder every year. In Canada, this figure reaches 15%, and in the UK – 17%. At the same time, only half of those with symptoms seek professional help. One of the main reasons for this situation is the stigma surrounding mental health issues in society, as these problems are often silenced and remain unaddressed. I, as a practicing psychologist, observe the same thing in my practice.
At the same time, the level of public awareness of the signs of common disorders, such as depression or anxiety, also remains low. As a result, people are unable to recognize the problem at an early stage and seek help in time. Raising the general level of literacy and open discussion of these issues should become a public priority to improve people’s mental health.
Why it is important to raise awareness and literacy in the field of mental health
Mental health issues are still shrouded in many myths and stereotypes in society. Due to stigmatization and silence on this topic, many people do not have a basic understanding of the signs and manifestations of various disorders. There is also a lack of understanding of effective ways to support loved ones facing mental health problems. That is why raising the general level of awareness and literacy in this area is a cornerstone for improving the quality of life and well-being of both individuals and society as a whole. Let’s take a look at how awareness and literacy can help people!
First, timely recognition of the signs of a problem and seeking help
A low level of awareness about the manifestations of various mental disorders prevents people from adequately assessing their own and their loved ones’ condition. For example, the symptoms of depression are often perceived as “bad mood” or “laziness,” while it can be a serious illness that requires treatment. The same applies to the manifestations of anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar affective disorder, etc.
Because of this incompetence, people hesitate to seek help. They start treatment too late, when the disease has already entered a difficult phase. Recognizing the signs in time allows for early support and a much better prognosis.
Thus, raising the level of literacy in this area directly affects people’s chances of recovery and returning to normal life.
Second, it promotes effective support for loved ones with mental health problems
When someone close to you is facing mental health problems, they desperately need the support of family and friends. Unfortunately, due to general incompetence, the environment often reacts inadequately. Instead of help, a person faces stigma, misunderstanding, and accusations, which only deepens the crisis.
Increasing the level of literacy helps loved ones to better understand the person’s condition, not to judge them and choose the appropriate support strategy. This can be both moral support and practical assistance in treatment and solving everyday issues. Such a balanced and informed approach significantly increases a person’s chances of successfully overcoming the crisis and recovering.
Third, it helps to overcome the stigma of mental disorders
Unfortunately, our society is still dominated by numerous myths and stereotypes about mental disorders. Because of this, people who suffer from them suffer not only from the symptoms of the disease, but also from the shameful stigma of being labeled by others.
Disseminating objective knowledge about the nature and causes of mental illness helps to dispel many prejudices. This shapes the attitude towards mental disorders as common illnesses that need to be treated with professionalism, not condemned or silenced.
Overcoming stigma also motivates more people to actively seek help and speak openly about their problems. They will no longer be afraid of being judged or discriminated against because of their diagnosis.
Fourth, it improves the quality of life of both individuals and society as a whole
Mental health directly affects the well-being and productivity of both individuals and society as a whole. After all, poor psycho-emotional state reduces motivation, concentration, memory, creativity, and other important functions.
By raising awareness of mental health issues, citizens can take more active care of this component of their lives. Timely detection of signs of problems and seeking help will help to maintain performance and active longevity.
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“In my opinion, in addition to the positive impact on society as a whole, raising awareness of mental health is of great importance for each individual. It allows you to recognize the signs of problems in a timely manner and seek help without bringing the situation to a critical point. Timely detection and treatment of disorders significantly increases a person’s chances of recovery and returning to a full life without functional limitations. This, in turn, makes it possible to realize personal potential, develop and enjoy life.”
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Fifth, it reduces the economic burden on the healthcare system
According to WHO estimates, the annual losses of the US and European economies due to mental disorders amount to about 4% of total GDP. This is a huge burden on both the healthcare system and the economy as a whole.
Raising awareness and the possibility of early diagnosis can prevent the development of severe forms of diseases that require significant treatment costs. The need for hospitalization and temporary disability of patients is also optimized. Prevention and timely outpatient intervention are much cheaper.
Let’s get to the main question!
How to recognize the signs of common mental health problems
Every psychologist has their own experience, so I made my own personal list of diseases that I have seen most often in my practice.
Let’s start with depression
A persistent low, depressed mood for most of the day, regardless of external circumstances. A person constantly feels sad, doomed, and loss of interest in life.
In addition to emotional manifestations, depression is often accompanied by sudden changes in appetite — a person either eats too much or wants almost nothing. Sleep problems also begin — chronic drowsiness or insomnia.
Another common symptom is a feeling of constant fatigue and exhaustion, the inability to force oneself to do ordinary things due to lack of energy and motivation.
Now a little about anxiety disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder can be recognized by constant tension, worrying about various things, and problems with concentration.
- Panic attacks are manifested by sudden attacks of severe anxiety with symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and sweating. The person feels that they are losing control or going crazy.
- Social phobia is characterized by a strong fear of social situations due to anxiety about possible negative perception from others.
- OCD is characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts, ideas, or images (obsessions), as well as a recurring need to perform certain actions or rituals (compulsions). For example, typical obsessions are an intense fear of contracting something, constant anxiety about turning off electrical appliances or closing doors. And compulsions are excessive hand washing, checking locks, or counting things.
You can recognize these disorders by the characteristic manifestations of anxiety and avoidance of certain situations that affect everyday life.
Of course, we cannot but mention post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual abuse, war, disasters, or accidents. Characteristic symptoms include flashbacks — sudden vivid memories of the trauma.
Nightmares and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event are also common, as well as avoidance of anything that reminds them of it. People with PTSD may experience emotional numbness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating.
To be diagnosed, these symptoms must last for at least a month and interfere with a person’s ability to function in everyday life or at work.
The main signs that can be used to recognize eating disorders
Anorexia is more common in adolescents and is manifested by deliberate weight loss and refusal to eat because of fear of obesity. The person is critical of their weight, although they are actually underweight.
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of overeating followed by purging with vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics. The person tries to hide their behavior.
In both cases, there is a distorted perception of the body and anxiety about food.
Signs of major personality disorders
- Borderline personality disorder is manifested by mood instability, chaotic relationships, and impulsive behavior. It is difficult for people to control emotions and behavior.
- Histrionic disorder is characterized by demonstrative, theatrical behavior to attract attention. They may fake illness or problems for the sake of sympathy.
- Paranoid disorder is a constant suspicion of people, attributing hostile intentions to them without sufficient reason. There may be jealousy, a sense of persecution.
These disorders can be recognized by persistent, maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior that make life difficult.
To summarize: there are several key signs that can be used to recognize common mental health problems: sudden changes in mood and behavior; prolonged sleep and appetite disorders; severe fear, anxiety, intrusive thoughts; social isolation and withdrawal; problems with memory, attention, and thinking. If such symptoms last for weeks and significantly impair the quality of life, you should seek professional advice from a doctor or help your loved one realize the need for such a consultation.
How to effectively support a person with mental health problems
If you happen to see the symptoms listed above in a loved one, try using my tips on how to effectively support them and encourage them to seek help:
- Be understanding and tolerant. Do not judge the person for their condition or problems. Instead, try to understand their feelings.
- Be there for them. Spend time together and listen. This will help the person feel that they are not alone with their problems.
- Encourage sharing of feelings. Do not insist if the person is not ready, but create an atmosphere of trust.
- Help with everyday tasks if the person is not able to cope.
- Emphasize the importance of professional help. Explain that this does not mean “crazy” but will help him/her to cope effectively with the problem.
- Don’t lose hope and be patient. Recovery may take time, the main thing is to support and motivate the person.
The main method of treatment used by psychologists
In my practice, I use cognitive behavioral therapy – CBT. This is one of the most common and effective (which has been proven more than once in my practice) methods of psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and other problems.
The basic idea of CBT is that our thoughts affect our mood and behavior. Therefore, by changing negative destructive thought patterns and developing useful behavioral patterns, one can effectively overcome the symptoms of various psychological disorders.
During CBT, my patients learn to identify and challenge their irrational beliefs and develop skills to respond constructively to difficult situations. The goal is to change maladaptive patterns of response.
If you want to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy, just click:
Ways to overcome stigma around mental health
This issue is no longer about the individual, but about the environment and society. Here I see several ways to overcome the stigma around mental health and disorders, including through the dissemination of objective information and the coverage of real stories:
Telling real stories of people with mental health problems in the media and social media. This helps to change stereotypical attitudes.
Conduct information campaigns that would explain the causes of disorders in an accessible way, refute myths, and emphasize effective treatment methods.
Involve celebrities and opinion leaders to spread the truth about mental health. This will increase the audience and trust.
Show positive examples of how people with mental disorders live, work, and succeed. This really destroys the false stereotypes that have formed in society.
Such educational work can eventually change the negative perception of mental health problems in society.
Help raise public awareness and literacy in the field of psychology
So, to summarize and draw on my experience, I can say:
- Mental health problems are quite common. It is important to recognize the signs of disorders in others and encourage people to seek help.
- Stigma and prejudice about mental illness still exist in society. They can be overcome by sharing truthful information and stories of people with such problems.
- Everyone can contribute to raising awareness of mental health among others, in social media, and by setting their own example of tolerant attitudes.
- Everyone can pay attention to themselves and check their condition right now.
Together, we can change the perception of mental disorders and create a society where people are not afraid to talk openly about their problems and seek support! Join us, tell us, tolerate us!