bijal montane
New Member
- Sep 19, 2021
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With the alarming increase in the number of people being affected or at risk of being trapped into mental health issues , the society has experienced a shift in approach to mental health through "Mental Health Awareness".This is a transformation characterized by creating awareness, open dialogues and a growing commitment to breaking the stigma associated with mental illness. As we are in the era of science and technology development it's very essential to address this issue publicly so that all Tanzanians should be aware of this problem regardless whether they are affected or not.
BREAKING THE SILENCE
•The importance of Mental Health Awareness
Currently the conversation about mental health has evolved significantly among many individuals, government organizations and health advocates , HOWEVER the problem remains "STIGMATIZED" and "MISUNDERSTOOD". Mental health awareness is necessary for creating a sustainable community where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgement.
As we look deeper into awareness campaigns we uncover it's impacts on individual level, community and national at large.
• Understanding Mental Health
According to WHO , Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life , realizes their abilities, learn and work well and contribute to their community. Mental Health encompasses emotional , psychological and social well being . it affects how we think , feel and acts influencing our ability to handle stress , relate to others and make decisions. Mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a state of overall mental well-being.
On other hand "Mental Health Issues" are the one that interferes with the mental well being and they can range from common conditions like "anxiety", "depression","isolation" and "Bipolar disorder" .
Despite being a prevailing problem in our Tanzanian community many people still hesitate to discuss these conditions openly due to fear of "STIGMATIZATION" and " DISCRIMINATION ".
• The Stigma in Mental Health
One of the most significant barriers to mental health awareness is stigma. Stigma occurs in two forms ie SOCIAL STIGMA and SELF STIGMA. Social stigma is characterized by prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behaviours, While Self stigma is when an individual internalizes these negative perceptions.
Stigmatism can lead to isolation and reluctance to seek help.
Combating stigmatism requires awareness that will foster environments where mental health discussions are NORMALIZED hence breaking down barriers and encourage individuals to seek the help.
CREATING AWAKENING EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH.
Awareness on mental health entails that individuals and society is aware and understand the problem "EXISTS, AFFECTS people and it can be SOLVED " through seeking help earlier as possible.
- Awareness campaigns play an important role in educating the public about mental health and it basically aims to-
•EDUCATE - by providing detailed information about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.
•NORMALIZE - by promoting the idea that mental health issues are common and present in our environment we live and there's nothing to be ashamed of.
•EMPOWER- by encouraging people to seek help and support others in their journeys towards mental wellness.
WHO ARE AFFECTED BY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES??
Mental health issues have "NO BOUNDARIES", It can affect all people regardless of their age group, financial status or a work a person does. In highlights to this it's clearly that mental health affects all people whether teenagers or adults.
Since it affects all people it should be addressed to public so that individuals may know how to cope with situations and seek help soon as possible.
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mental health issues are not only confined to the individuals, but they can affect families , workplaces and communities. Poor mental health may lead to Decreased productivity, school dropouts, marriage breakdowns , suicide , increased heath costs and social isolation.
LIKELY CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mental health issues can arise from various factors such as
•Psychological factors - childhood trauma, abuse and some events have a lasting impact on mental health.
• Environmental factors - stressful life circumstances like unhappy workplace, financial problems and chronic social isolation may trigger mental health issues.
• Biological factors - hormonal changes , brain imbalances can lead to mental health issues.
• Socio-cultural pressures , stigma and discrimination can influence mental health .
STRATEGIES TOWARDS A BETTER AND IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Promoting mental health can have a far reaching benefits especially when individuals are mentally well-being. When mental health is promoted well people are likely to contribute positively to their communities , workplace and build sustainable relationships. Investing and creating a mental health aware society can lead to a sustainable community.
We can have improved mental awareness community through
• EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM INTEGRATION
Public education increases mental health awareness and reduces stigma and encourages individuals to seek help,since campaigns focuses on recognizing pre symptoms and treatment measures.
- Curriculum integration requires an adjustment of the formal school curriculum by putting mental health to be amongst a topic learned in classrooms. So I hereby argue the ministry of education in Tanzania to integrate school curriculum with mental health.
•POLICY AND FUNDING
Health ministry should integrate mental health into it's primary healthcare system to ensure early detection and treatment. Also training health practitioners on mental health can help .
- Government and other organizations should allocate enough resources on mental health through funding researches , treatment facilities and public awareness campaigns.
CONCLUSION
Mental health issues is currently posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems in Tanzania and across the globe. Addressing this requires integration by creating awareness, increased funding and policy adjustments. Priotizing mental health not only improves the quality of life but also strengthen the social and economic development of a country.
BREAKING THE SILENCE
•The importance of Mental Health Awareness
Currently the conversation about mental health has evolved significantly among many individuals, government organizations and health advocates , HOWEVER the problem remains "STIGMATIZED" and "MISUNDERSTOOD". Mental health awareness is necessary for creating a sustainable community where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgement.
As we look deeper into awareness campaigns we uncover it's impacts on individual level, community and national at large.
• Understanding Mental Health
According to WHO , Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life , realizes their abilities, learn and work well and contribute to their community. Mental Health encompasses emotional , psychological and social well being . it affects how we think , feel and acts influencing our ability to handle stress , relate to others and make decisions. Mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders but a state of overall mental well-being.
On other hand "Mental Health Issues" are the one that interferes with the mental well being and they can range from common conditions like "anxiety", "depression","isolation" and "Bipolar disorder" .
Despite being a prevailing problem in our Tanzanian community many people still hesitate to discuss these conditions openly due to fear of "STIGMATIZATION" and " DISCRIMINATION ".
• The Stigma in Mental Health
One of the most significant barriers to mental health awareness is stigma. Stigma occurs in two forms ie SOCIAL STIGMA and SELF STIGMA. Social stigma is characterized by prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behaviours, While Self stigma is when an individual internalizes these negative perceptions.
Stigmatism can lead to isolation and reluctance to seek help.
Combating stigmatism requires awareness that will foster environments where mental health discussions are NORMALIZED hence breaking down barriers and encourage individuals to seek the help.
CREATING AWAKENING EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH.
Awareness on mental health entails that individuals and society is aware and understand the problem "EXISTS, AFFECTS people and it can be SOLVED " through seeking help earlier as possible.
- Awareness campaigns play an important role in educating the public about mental health and it basically aims to-
•EDUCATE - by providing detailed information about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.
•NORMALIZE - by promoting the idea that mental health issues are common and present in our environment we live and there's nothing to be ashamed of.
•EMPOWER- by encouraging people to seek help and support others in their journeys towards mental wellness.
WHO ARE AFFECTED BY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES??
Mental health issues have "NO BOUNDARIES", It can affect all people regardless of their age group, financial status or a work a person does. In highlights to this it's clearly that mental health affects all people whether teenagers or adults.
Since it affects all people it should be addressed to public so that individuals may know how to cope with situations and seek help soon as possible.
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mental health issues are not only confined to the individuals, but they can affect families , workplaces and communities. Poor mental health may lead to Decreased productivity, school dropouts, marriage breakdowns , suicide , increased heath costs and social isolation.
LIKELY CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Mental health issues can arise from various factors such as
•Psychological factors - childhood trauma, abuse and some events have a lasting impact on mental health.
• Environmental factors - stressful life circumstances like unhappy workplace, financial problems and chronic social isolation may trigger mental health issues.
• Biological factors - hormonal changes , brain imbalances can lead to mental health issues.
• Socio-cultural pressures , stigma and discrimination can influence mental health .
STRATEGIES TOWARDS A BETTER AND IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Promoting mental health can have a far reaching benefits especially when individuals are mentally well-being. When mental health is promoted well people are likely to contribute positively to their communities , workplace and build sustainable relationships. Investing and creating a mental health aware society can lead to a sustainable community.
We can have improved mental awareness community through
• EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM INTEGRATION
Public education increases mental health awareness and reduces stigma and encourages individuals to seek help,since campaigns focuses on recognizing pre symptoms and treatment measures.
- Curriculum integration requires an adjustment of the formal school curriculum by putting mental health to be amongst a topic learned in classrooms. So I hereby argue the ministry of education in Tanzania to integrate school curriculum with mental health.
•POLICY AND FUNDING
Health ministry should integrate mental health into it's primary healthcare system to ensure early detection and treatment. Also training health practitioners on mental health can help .
- Government and other organizations should allocate enough resources on mental health through funding researches , treatment facilities and public awareness campaigns.
CONCLUSION
Mental health issues is currently posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems in Tanzania and across the globe. Addressing this requires integration by creating awareness, increased funding and policy adjustments. Priotizing mental health not only improves the quality of life but also strengthen the social and economic development of a country.
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