We have all at one point been in contact or are still in contact with someone suffering from a mental disorder. A state in which one is not able to cope with or adapt to the normal environment or be able to make simple decisions that could easily be made in a normal state of mind. In most cases, if a person falls under this criterion, then they are regarded as having a mental disorder or mental illness. Mental disorders in some societies are regarded as serious psychiatric illnesses. Due to this perception, many do not seek medical assistance.
This article outlines information on the various types of mental disorders from stress and bipolar disorder to anxiety, and depression just to mention a few. It will also highlight how much the mental disorders affect the world at large and will demonstrate how health insurance can help tackle these complex conditions.
It is extremely important to be aware of our surroundings, monitoring any changes in our perception, thinking, our feelings and behaviour towards certain conditions or circumstances. Always seek medical assistance whenever one notices unusual behaviours in ourselves or in our close social environments.
It is important to first understand the difference and the definition of mental health and mental disorders. The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his or her community”. On the other hand, a mental disorder is when one or more of the above statements is not present.
There are various mental disorders that many are unaware of. Although the attack can be persistent, recurring or a once off, if the condition is left unattended or untreated, it can lead to serious mental impairment.
Stress
Stress can be defined as the most basic level of how our bodies respond to pressure from a situation or life event. People tend to feel stressed when they experience something new or unexpected, when they feel like they do not have control over the situation. When stress levels are high, there are numerous symptoms - to name a few - we may feel overwhelmed, struggling to make decisions, being forgetful, snappy, and irritated. Stress in some cases can be normal but if these symptoms persist, its time to see a medical doctor.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood (high and low moods). The mood swings can have an impact on sleep, energy, thinking and behaviour. People with this kind of illness may have difficulties in performing routine tasks at school, work and even maintaining relationships. Symptoms can include an extremely elevated mood called mania and can also include depression.
Depression
Depression is a common and medical disorder very similar to bipolar disorder except that it only affects one type of mood which is feeling very low or down. Depression causes feelings of sadness and may cause one to lose interest in activities once enjoyed. Just like bipolar disorder, it can also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems that can hinder the ability of being productive whether at work or at home.
Anxiety
Most people have experienced anxiety, when faced with some situation at work, making important decisions, or before taking a test. This kind of feeling is completely normal. It is abnormal however, when there is a related feeling of intense fear, distress, becoming overwhelmed and preventing us from doing our everyday activities. When these feelings become intense, it is time to visit a health practitioner. Anxiety disorders come in different forms, each with its own physical and emotional symptoms.
Mental disorders do not discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, geography, income, social status, ethnicity, background, or other aspect of cultural identity. Unbelievable, but it is the sad truth. Some mental disorders can be genetic or can result from the surrounding environment and influences.
Below are some of the sad facts recorded by the World Health Organisation on how the world is being affected:
- About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.
- Mental, neurological and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global disease and the 30% of non-fatal disease burden.
- The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
- About 800 000 people die of suicide every year. 1 person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-29 years.
- People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
- Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and the adolescents have a mental disorder.
- Depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting 264 million people.
From the information above, we can conclude that most people should know someone who has experienced or is experiencing a mental disorder. The disease affects all kinds of people from all walks of life. With the current restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic - specifically social distancing - one needs to create an environment that is adequate to avoid developing a mental disorder. One needs to know and understand the best combination of self-care, treatment and the best support that works well in responding to the various emotional and physical needs associated with the mental disorder.
Health industries are always available to offer the necessary support to those who seek assistance. Mental disorders are treated according to the state and the severity of each condition. However, if the condition is left untreated without seeking medical help, in the long run, this can be devastating to one’s finances. Having a Health Insurance in place for you and your family or your employees can transfer your financial risk to the Health Insurer, thus improving the state of your own Mental Health and increasing your personal and professional productivity.
We have a well experienced Health Insurance division with a wide network of professionals that can always assist you or your company to secure your tomorrow by carefully sourcing the best health Insurance providers on the market that offer comprehensive health insurance packages according to your needs. This will improve your mental health and provide you with PEACE OF MIND.
Catherine N T Muchine ǀ Account Executive ǀ Minseg Mozambique
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/mental-health
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