180° Turn Around

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One of the most common, timely, relevant and alarming social issues in our society nowadays is mental health problems particularly mental illnesses. As per Better Health Channel definition, mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may impact on a person’s thoughts, perceptions, feelings and behaviors. Mental illnesses may affect the relationship, way of communication and interaction of one person to another. According to research, there are three factors affecting or can trigger mental illnesses. First, Biological Factors. Some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways that connect particular brain region. Next, Psychological factors. Severe psychological trauma suffered of a child such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse also, neglect and poor ability to relate to others are some psychological factors that may contribute mental illness. Lastly, Environmental Factors. Some example of this is feeling on inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger or loneliness and social or cultural expectations. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and life coaches Rappler spoke to attested to the fact that in the last few years, suicide cases and mental illnesses among the youth have drastically increased. According to 2015 World Health Organization Global School-Based survey, among 8,761 students from Grades 7-9, year 4 in the Philippines: 16.8% among 13 to 17 years old attempted suicide. We considered our youth as hope of the nation and the main light bearer of tomorrow’s future but how can we assure that the youth may bring us good future if they are the major victim and prone to mental health related illnesses?

We humans are experiencing such problems and sometimes we found it hard to cope up and the better ways to fight this issue are having counseling, being with good friends and being surrounded by people that brings positivity to one’s life. This social campaign related to mental health problems aims to raise awareness for everyone that is experiencing or prone to this kind of issue. The people behind this campaign are the people that gives effort, time, sacrifices and give their best in order to have one voice, one goal, and one achievement towards this social issue for they are concern citizen of the community or even in the other areas that could reach by this campaign. We must be hand in hand in decreasing or stopping the increasing rate of cases we are experiencing right now for mental health is as important as physical health. If we won’t fight for mental health, then who will? It’s time to do the work now! Together, let’s fight mental health problems and always have awareness because mental health problems are not ok and will never be ok.One of the most common, timely, relevant and alarming social issues in our society nowadays is mental health problems particularly mental illnesses. As per Better Health Channel definition, mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may impact on a person’s thoughts, perceptions, feelings and behaviors. Mental illnesses may affect the relationship, way of communication and interaction of one person to another. According to research, there are three factors affecting or can trigger mental illnesses. First, Biological Factors. Some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways that connect particular brain region. Next, Psychological factors. Severe psychological trauma suffered of a child such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse also, neglect and poor ability to relate to others are some psychological factors that may contribute mental illness. Lastly, Environmental Factors. Some example of this is feeling on inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger or loneliness and social or cultural expectations. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and life coaches Rappler spoke to attested to the fact that in the last few years, suicide cases and mental illnesses among the youth have drastically increased. According to 2015 World Health Organization Global School-Based survey, among 8,761 students from Grades 7-9, year 4 in the Philippines: 16.8% among 13 to 17 years old attempted suicide. We considered our youth as hope of the nation and the main light bearer of tomorrow’s future but how can we assure that the youth may bring us good future if they are the major victim and prone to mental health related illnesses? We humans are experiencing such problems and sometimes we found it hard to cope up and the better ways to fight this issue are having counseling, being with good friends and being surrounded by people that brings positivity to one’s life. This social campaign related to mental health problems aims to raise awareness for everyone that is experiencing or prone to this kind of issue. The people behind this campaign are the people that gives effort, time, sacrifices and give their best in order to have one voice, one goal, and one achievement towards this social issue for they are concern citizen of the community or even in the other areas that could reach by this campaign. We must be hand in hand in decreasing or stopping the increasing rate of cases we are experiencing right now for mental health is as important as physical health. If we won’t fight for mental health, then who will? It’s time to do the work now! Together, let’s fight mental health problems and always have awareness because mental health problems are not ok and will never be ok.

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There more people impacted than what you think!

Everyone is impacted by mental illness in some way, whether they personally struggle or they know someone who does. A 2015 Study by the National Institute for Mental Health found that nearly 1 in 5 – 43.8 million – American adults suffer from a mental illness in any given year.

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Awareness should be increased!

Talking about mental illness can help those struggling realize they are not alone on their way to recovery and that they are not the only one who feels the way they do. For those who are not affected by mental illness firsthand, the conversation about mental illness can help inform them about risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods, which will allow them to then help the people around them. This can make for a society that is more informed and accepting about mental illness.

The stigma can be eliminated!

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The stigma towards mental illness often causes people to feel isolated, stereotyped, shameful, or discriminated against, all of which can hinder recovery. By talking openly and showing there is more to someone than their mental illness, people can see that no one has to be defined by that alone.

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Treatment is Crucial

The combination of the above reasons may help someone realize that while what they’re experiencing is a serious issue, help is available. This is imperative because people who live with mental illness are more likely to develop other chronic medical conditions and die earlier than others, usually as a result of treatable conditions. Seeking out treatment can be the first step in improving the rest of life.

• Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness. Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health.
• Advocating within our circles of influence helps ensure these individuals have the same rights and opportunities as other members of your church, school and community.
• Learning more about mental health allows us to provide helpful support to those affected in our families and communities.

Source: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma and/or having another medical condition, like heart disease.

According to Experts the most common Mental Illness are:

Anxiety Disorders – More than 18% of adults each year struggle with some type of anxiety disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic attacks), generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias.

Mood Disorders – Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar depression, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterized by difficulties in regulating one’s mood.