The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report detailing people’s state of mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The report stated that in 2020 when the outbreak started, cases of anxiety and depression increased at an alarming rate. The numbers have continued to rise and are continually rising as the global health crisis progresses. That is on top of the disastrous calamities that the world has experienced in the past two years.
To quote WHO, mental health problems or disorders “involve significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior.” These problems affect not only adults but young children and adolescents as well.
There are effective treatment and medication options available to address these mental health problems. However, the lack of access to effective interventions keeps people from getting the help they need. In many countries, there remains stigma and discrimination toward mental health.
Hence, we at Community Mental Health (CMH) aim to promote positive mental health by raising awareness of common mental health problems. Upon reading, when you think you are a loved one who shows signs of any of these problems, we highly encourage you to seek professional help immediately.
- Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders, as defined by Mayo Clinic, are characterized by consistent fear and worry about everyday situations impeding their ability to function. While everyone can feel anxious, especially in challenging circumstances, people with anxiety disorders experience panic attacks (hyperventilation, sweating, and trembling) that can last for minutes. - Depression
The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as a mental illness that causes people to feel sadness and loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Symptoms also include sleeping problems, loss of appetite, and suicidal thoughts. - Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes people to experience intense changes in mood, behavior, and thinking patterns that can last for weeks to months. People with bipolar disorder go through manic and depressive episodes. This condition can significantly disrupt one’s daily functioning. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that is caused by shocking and life-threatening events, like accidents and the death of a loved one. This condition is also prevalent among war veterans. People with PTSD would have uncontrollable thoughts and nightmares about that certain event that triggered their condition. They would also find it challenging to cope after going through the traumatic event, neglecting their health and hygiene.
Got questions for us? Email us at drgeorge@communitymh.com.