Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health ! Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is celebrated all over the world, with the aim of creating awareness among people about mental illnesses and eliminating the perceptions associated with them, such as social stigma, stigma, etc.
The celebration of this day was started in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, when the world decided to pay attention to this serious problem for the first time. This year, the day was celebrated with the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right“.
Various programs, public walks and seminars were organized in this regard, through which it was reminded that mental peace, mental health and access to its treatment are the basic rights of every human being, just as clean water, education and physical treatment are the needs and fundamental rights of every person. This theme convinces us that no individual should be deprived of this right simply because of ignorance, poverty or social pressure.
Mental Health Crisis
Mental illnesses are not a new problem, but modern industrial society, social pressure and uncertainty have increased it many times over. In history, mental illnesses were often considered the result of demonic acts or witchcraft, due to which patients were not only deprived of medical treatment, but they were also isolated from society.
In the late 18th century, human rights movements raised their voices against this attitude. Raised and demanded that mentally ill people be considered human beings and provided with proper medical care. However, it took centuries for this thinking to become common.
Even today, when we are at the peak of scientific and medical progress, according to a report by the World Health Organization, about 970 million people worldwide, or one in every eight people, suffer from some kind of mental or psychological illness, of which depression and anxiety are more common.
Covid-19 and Mental Problems For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
During the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns, social distancing, separation from loved ones and economic uncertainty have left millions of people suffering from mental stress and anxiety. According to one study, the rate of depression and anxiety has increased by 25% globally. Women, children and the weaker sections of society have been particularly affected, as their educational and social relationships have been abruptly severed.
This crisis has affected not only individuals, but also families, societies and the global economy. also destroyed. Mental illnesses are not only the leading cause of disability, but they can also reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years.
Its dangerous consequences include increased suicide rates, human rights violations, serious physical complications such as heart disease and diabetes, and a heavy burden on the economy.
Mental illnesses cost the global economy trillions of dollars annually, as the productivity of people suffering from these illnesses decreases.
Problems of Women, Children, and Youth For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
The rates of depression and anxiety are higher among women than men. The reasons for this include social pressures, economic problems, domestic violence, the rigid and authoritarian behavior of men in less educated classes, and gender inequality. The situation is even worse in rural areas where education and resources are lacking.
Similarly, mental problems are also increasing rapidly among children and youth. are increasing. Academic pressure, fear of unemployment and the uncertainty of the future further exacerbate these diseases. The increasing use of social media and mobile gaming and the resulting cyberbullying and social comparison are also causing lack of self-confidence and mental stress among young people.
Drug Use For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
The most important factor in the increasing rate of mental health problems is the increasing use of drugs. The use of drugs, especially electronic cigarettes (vapes), is increasing rapidly in universities, colleges, and even schools. Earlier, traditional drugs, such as heroin and marijuana, were more common, but now dangerous drugs like ice (methamphetamine) are spreading rapidly, which are often used by students to improve performance in exams or other matters or to get high.
In urban and posh areas, the use of vapes and glasses has become a fashion and status symbol. Parents and society often consider them less harmful, which is a dangerous misconception. The nicotine present in vapes causes mental disorders And its long-term use increases lung and heart diseases. Similarly, smoking a glass of wine an hour is as harmful as smoking about 100 cigarettes.
Both of these affect not only physical health, but also mental balance, while they are leading to an increase in depression and anxiety in young people. Drug use directly disrupts the balance of brain chemicals, especially neurotransmitters like dopamine.
This chemical gives a feeling of happiness and spiritual pleasure or reward, and the brain produces more of it with drug use. When the drug is stopped, the brain reduces its production, which leads to severe depression and anxiety.
As a result, memory, attention and decision-making ability are severely affected. Continuous drug use not only leaves young people behind in the academic field, but also destroys their social life and relationships.
What is worrying is that drug abuse often leads to violence, suicide and serious psychological disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc. Leads to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Unnecessary, Careless use of Syringes For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
Injecting drug use is emerging as a major factor in the worsening of mental health problems. People who inject drugs, known as people who inject drugs (PWID), often lack access to clean syringes or needles due to poverty, ignorance, and social stigma, forcing them to reuse used needles or share them with others.
This unsafe behavior poses a major threat not only to physical but also mental health, as it results in the rapid spread of deadly diseases.
In this context, instead of dismissing people who inject drugs as simply addicts, it is important to recognize them as a vulnerable group who simultaneously suffer from drug addiction, infectious diseases and mental health problems.
They need measures such as Needle Exchange Programs, access to HIV, addiction treatment and drug rehabilitation centers, and regular hepatitis screening, treatment, hepatitis-B vaccination and psychological support (counseling).
Technology Overuse For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
The excessive and unbalanced use of modern technology has become a serious challenge to our mental and psychological health. It is not just a waste of time, but also affects our brain and emotional system in many ways. High screen time on mobile phones and other devices has given rise to a kind of “digital loneliness”, where an individual is connected to thousands of friends online, but is completely alone in the real world.
This virtual world provides us with a false sense of satisfaction, which leads to the immediate production of a hormone called dopamine, which makes us feel happy. However, this feeling is temporary and when it ends, the mind returns to the same state from which it started, which further increases the time spent on the screen.
It is a deadly cycle, which takes a person away from real-world activities, such as physical exercise, studies and spending time with family. The biggest psychological harm of excessive use of mobile phones is the obstacle to social and emotional development.
Young people are losing the ability to understand real-world relationships, as their communication is largely dependent on texting and emojis. They are losing the ability to understand facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which are essential for building a healthy relationship.
In addition, the constant comparison and desire to emulate and compete with people on social media (Bloggers / Vloggers / Celebrities) leads to anxiety, feelings of inferiority, depression, and insecurity among young people. They believe that their lives are not as exciting as others, which makes them prone to mental stress.
Sleep and Mental Balance For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
The blue light emitted from mobile phone screens is a major threat to our sleep. This light affects our body’s natural clock (Circadian Rhythm), which inhibits the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. As a result, the sleep schedule is disrupted, leading to problems such as fatigue, irritability, and lack of attention.
All these factors can lead to diseases such as depression and anxiety in the long run. In addition, the constant ringing of notifications and messages on mobile phones keeps our mind constantly alert, which increases the level of stress and anxiety.
Solutions and Precautions For Mental Health is More Important Than Physical Health !
To address these issues, it is important to create a balance and awareness in our use of technology. Digital detox: Take some time off from your phone completely during the day. This will give your brain a chance to rest and focus on offline activities. Limit screen time: Set and stick to a limit on screen time.
Improve your sleep schedule: Stop using your phone at least an hour before bed to give your body time to rest and prepare for sleep. Promote real-world relationships: Spend more time with family and friends and participate in offline activities.
Self-awareness: When you feel anxious, stressed, or lonely, consider whether it is because of your excessive use of your phone. Because the constant need for anything and a drastic change in behavior or anxiety without it are signs of dependence, that is, excessive use of it.