WORLD MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
As per WHO definition of health “it is the state of well being both physically and mentally”. Equal importance has been given to both the mental and physical well being. But, according to survey it is found that people in developing or under developed countries devote approx 1% of the total revenues in mental heath. Consequently, mental health policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments for people with mental illness are not given the priority they deserve. Other barriers are poor awareness, lack of early detection, and knowledge of benefits of treatment, stigma and taboo on psychiatric help. In general policy makers and public both neglect the psychiatric help or mental health. The prevalence of mental illness is not found correctly as people don’t go for right institutions for treatment or documentation. Either they run away from their home or they are locked in their home with the label “pagal”
Every child, woman or man have a right to achieve high level of mental and physical health. This is enshrined in our Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
There is stigma attached to the psychiatric help. People hesitate to take help or consultation from a psychiatrist. I have recently found that people are open for psychologist help than a psychiatric help. There is still a marked denial among population. Few super speciality centres and high cost of services don’t let the services reach to people easily. Those centres which claim to be Rehabilitation centres are more or less Residential institutes. Family members relax once they hand over a person with psychiatric problem to a centre and then whole responsibility of centre. Moreover, the centres are very few as per the population of mentally ill they have to cater the need.
Other common problem is poor awareness among general public about the difference between mentally handicapped or mentally ill. Unfortunately, most the time people confuse and consider them same. Other problem is the presentation of mental problem. It is presented as behaviour than physical symptoms and the behaviour is hard to grade especially when it is mild or moderate.
There is a whole list of problems that require psychiatric help. Most common are depression, suicidal attacks, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia etc. other conditions which do require psychiatric help are Autism, Childhood disintegrated syndrome, Anorexia, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders etc. It is required to give the psychiatric help to the criminal and victims or crime like rape, murder, incest, paedophiles etc. those people who remained deprive during their childhood with love and guidance feel insecure and isolated and they are at risk or prone to involve in crimes or become victims.
The children sometimes do need psychiatric help because of their behaviour or emotional disturbances. Many known conditions are Autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome), PICA and Enuresis (bed wetting) and Encopresis (bed soiling). In this competitive world children are overstressed by high standards of education and parent’s expectation. For scoring high marks and carrying the high expectation of their own and parents put them under pressure. Many of them can’t withstand that pressure and fails.
Tips to help your own
| Observe your child behaviour and ask about his behaviour to teachers in the school. It is equally important to academics. Ask about his friends, his interaction in class and his attention to studies. If child is above 10 yr, talk to the child directly or if the child is too young, talk to your psychologist in school or psychologist. Every child is different and even normal development varies from child to child. Sensory processing, language, and motor skills are developing during early childhood, as well as the ability to relate to parents and to socialize with caregivers and other children. Adolescence is an important phase of life; parents should keep an eye during this period on child. Talk feely to child about his concerns and ensure him that you are always there for him.
| Be observant for the stress signs like staying alone, bedwetting, aggressive, reduction in food intake or sadness.
| Sometime the child gets molested by stranger or known person. Observe the signs of fearfulness, signs of physical assault, or strange behaviour.
| Other behaviour like not listening to you, seems in his own world, head banging, purposeless activity or hyperactivity, aggressiveness etc points to serious issues which immediate need medical intervention, consult to psychiatrist,
| Family issues like parents arguments and fights, divorce, death of dear ones or some extreme stress hits, every member of a family, even the youngest ones. This should also be considered when evaluating mental, emotional, or behavioural symptoms in a child
| Create a happy and healthy environment at home. Good education, leisure and love a
ll are important. Parenting does matter.
| Don’t hesitate to consult a psychiatrist
| Parents should understand that every child is different and has to develop like that. Most the child can develop skills of their own interest. Try to find that special area and encourage him for that.
Posted byNeeti at 8:06 PM
Labels: awareness, health, medical