Sound mental health key to happiness
World Mental Health Day fell on October 10
While our genes and early relational environment effects how we respond to our environment, our environment in turn has an effect on what genes get activated in us
Every year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) celebrates World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year’s theme highlights the need to prevent suicides; since every 40 seconds someone loses his or her life as a result of suicide. However, in today’s Health Capsule we are shifting our focus from suicide prevention, as we need to lay more emphasis on the need for sound mental health. Since World Mental Health Day was celebrated yesterday, it is only timely that we shed more light on the importance of having a good mental health for the overall well being of man. Speaking to Health Capsule, Dr. Udena Attygalle, Consultant Child and
The struggle with mental disorders
Noting that there are well defined mental health disorders, Dr. Attygalle stated that our understanding of the mind and brain is constantly evolving.
“While our genes and early relational environment effects how we respond to our environment, our environment in turn has an effect on what genes get activated in us. Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders and mood disorders are common” he added.
Symptoms of poor mental disorder
While it is easy to list out symptoms of specific mental health disorders, listing out symptoms of poor mental health is more difficult says Dr. Attygalle. However, some features of poor mental health can be listed as below. Excessive anger, hostility or violence Suicidal thinking
Sound mental health and the need for resilience
Good mental health is also very important for children. As children are at an age when they are still developing, Dr. Attygalle emphasized how prolonged periods of poor mental health can affect their development, educational attainment and can change the people they become as adults. “Aspects of mental health are also part of certain developmental task, thus learning to regulate our emotions, learning coping skills and social skills are important for our development” he said.
“Recent finding show that half of all mental health disorders begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by mid-20s. This highlights that more emphasis needs to be paid to the mental well being of children and adolescents.
Resilience or the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stress has been shown to improve mental health outcomes. It also means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences, and acts as a protective factor against some mental health conditions” Dr. Attygalle concluded.