The month of October has been declared Mental Health Awareness month with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.
Mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress are common, and affect individuals, families and the broader community. In addition, they have a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism and reduced productivity, among others. Some mental health problems are the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. An estimated 400 million people worldwide suffer from mental or neurological disorders or from psychosocial problems.
Mental illness can be treated and prevented; however, more often people do not seek treatment due to the stigma attached to the illness. Recently it has been reported that very few South Africans seek treatment for mental disorders.
With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, government aims to reach as many people as possible in order to raise awareness about mental health and to reduce the stigma attached to it.
Do mental health issues have a biological basis?
Most scientists believe that mental illnesses result from problems with the communication between neurons in the brain (neurotransmission). For example, the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin is lower in individuals who have depression.
Most scientists believe that mental illnesses result from problems with the communication between neurons in the brain (neurotransmission). For example, the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin is lower in individuals who have depression.
[Google this topic and be aware of the symptoms.]
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