Significance of Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we
think, feel, and act. It also helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make
choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence
through adulthood. Due to the stigma that often surrounds mental health, millions of people
worldwide do not receive the help they need and often overlook this extremely prevalent health
issue. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in a given year, one in five, or
18.5% of American adults experiences a mental illness. Some of the most common and
frequently reported mental illnesses include depression and bipolar disorders, anxiety,
schizophrenia, dementia, and eating disorders. Mental illness affects everyone no matter their
race, gender, culture, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Signs Of Mental Illness
Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of
a problem:
Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Mental Health Improves the Quality of Life
When we are free of depression, anxiety, excessive stress and worry, addictions, and other
psychological problems, we are more able to live our lives to the fullest. Peace of mind is a
natural condition, and is available to everyone.
Better Physical Health
There is a strong connection between the mind and body. If you’re in physical pain, your work
and family life may be affected or you may not be able to do the activities you enjoy, which can
lead to stress, anxiety and depression. (for example, by causing sleep disturbances or impairing
immune function).
Improved Productivity and Financial Stability
As a result of dependence on disability income, leaves of absence from work, lost earning
potential and the high costs of mental health treatment, individuals with untreated mental health
disorders may face significant economic struggles. Some end up foreclosing on their homes,
declaring bankruptcy or homeless or incarcerated after trying to manage a mental illness.a study
in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that people suffering from a serious mental illness
earned at least 40 percent less than people in good mental health. People with untreated
psychiatric illnesses make up one-third of the homeless population and about 16 percent of the
total inmate population.
Less Strain on the Family
Mental illness affects families as well as individuals. The children of people with mental illness
are at greater risk for abuse, neglect, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues Since
they can’t look to their parents for help, and they often isolate themselves from friends, many
don’t receive needed social support. In many cases, the effects carry over into adulthood, driving
children to seek mental health treatment of their own.
Avoidance of Crime and Victimization
Some studies suggest that people with untreated mental illness, especially in conjunction with
other risk factors, may be at increased risk of committing violent crimes or, even more likely,
becoming victims themselves.
A Longer, Happier Life
According to a 2012 study in the British Medical Journal people with even mild mental health
problems may have a lower life expectancy. Those with the highest levels of depression or
anxiety had a risk of death that increased a whopping 94%.
Mental health strengthens and supports our ability to:
have healthy relationships, make good life choices ,maintain physical health and well-being,
handle the natural ups and downs of life, discover and grow toward our potential.
Mental Health Treatment Reduces Medical Costs
Many research studies have shown that when people receive appropriate mental health care, their use of
medical services declines. For example, one study of people with anxiety disorders showed that after
psychological treatment, the number of medical visits decreased by 90%, laboratory costs decreased by
50%, and overall treatment costs dropped by 35%.

Mental Health is Good for Businesses

Businesses benefit when employees have good mental health. Mental health is associated with higher
productivity, better performance, more consistent work attendance, and fewer workplace accidents.