One in every four Americans are known to suffer from a mental illness. That, of course, is an estimate generated from awareness. In India, most cases of mental illnesses go unrecorded and this makes us realize how unaware people are about the importance of mental health. Why is mental health awareness important? For starters, mental health awareness helps a health psychologist to identify illnesses and provide early treatment for these individuals. Early intervention can help individuals receive the right care for quick recovery.
It has been noticed through research that almost 50% of individuals who suffer from a mental illness or know someone who suffers haven’t sought the help of a professional because they did not know how to access the service. This dearth in access is because of misinformation or sheer lack of it. Mental illnesses cannot be treated by merely hoping for treatment. Any kind of cultural or language barriers need to be eliminated. Mental health counseling needs to be a phenomenon that is widely understood and delivered, especially to those who are least likely to seek it due to stigma or social limitations.
Awareness is also imperative for improvements in the way the mentally ill are treated. Improvements in policies, research and services can only come in through awareness and the demand that arises as a product. Awareness is important for the mere identification of an illness too. Most people who are unaware think that the mentally ill are ‘making up’ their illness or are crazy, possessed, violent, unsafe or out of control. These labels prevent these individuals from receiving treatment and prevents society from becoming more forward thinking.
Community awareness for mental health reduces stigma and facilitates a chance for early intervention and recovery. Individuals suffering from mental illnesses mustn’t be isolated or treated differently. Awareness is education and knowledge are power which only ever affects a society positively. How can we become more aware? Attend fairs or seminars, read up on mental health, get in touch with mental health professionals and then spread what you know to everyone you know so that one day we as a society are AWARE.
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