Lahore, May 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Psychological disorders or mental illnesses are described as non-prevalent irregularities in any person’s emotion, perception, thinking, and behaviour that not only affect an individual’s mental health but also cause apparent physical health problems.
As these ailments are associated with our key body organ, the brain, they are becoming the principal causes of alterations in an individual’s development and growth processes by disrupting the overall body functioning. Mental health problems including stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal attempts are on the rise among adolescents and young adults.
These mental illnesses amongst adolescents and teens, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of factors such as negligence or ignorance from parents and relatives, unhealthy competition for good grades, better jobs, greediness for prospering lifestyle. Moreover, youngsters/teens are less patient towards worldly affairs. They get effortlessly hurt by insignificant consequences and overthinking, financial issues, low self-esteem and unaccepted behaviour of relatives, family, and friends. Slight falls and failures lead them to increased stress and depression. Sometimes situations get worse that even compel them to run away from home or attempt suicide.
According to many researchers, the increase in mental health problems is concentrated among adolescents and teens. Moreover, mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes among young people are more in number as compared to old people. According to a new study, published by American Psychological Association, the rates of mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes have increased significantly over the last decade among these age groups, impacting females and those who are wealthier than others, in particular.
Another factor that is increasing the risk of mental health issues is technological advancement. Undoubtedly, technological advancement is proving beneficial but at the same time, it is posing harmful impacts on human health. If we take a look at some stimulating factors of mental illnesses, we can pinpoint many causes which include more usage of mobile phones, laptops, excessive indoor smartphone gaming, negligence of physical exercise that ultimately impact the mood, behaviour, and other physical states. Excessive consumption of fast food is also an active factor. Moreover, limited socializing and outdoor exposure may also cause increased stress and anxiety.
The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorders, circumstances, and other factors. Following are some of the symptoms that are apparent in the majority of the mental illness cases: the feeling of sadness, confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate, excessive fears or worries, extreme feelings of guilt, extreme mood changes of highs and lows, withdrawal from friends and activities, significant tiredness, low energy or sleeping problems, detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations, inability to cope with daily problems or stress and trouble understanding and relating to situations and people etc.
If signs or symptoms of a mental illness are majorly apparent, it is recommended to consult a primary care provider or mental health professional. Most mental illnesses do not improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may worsen over time and cause serious problems. Other measures that can be undertaken to improve the condition of an individual suffering from mental illness include: exposing mentally sick people to nature as nature is a great healer, letting such people practice yoga, meditations, physical exercise, offering encouragement and support, enabling them to talk with their close friends, avoiding unnecessary use of smartphones and other toxic devices that can boost up the level of depression.
It is not necessary to always rely on professional care because counselling of depressed individuals especially youngsters can be done by their close friends, relatives and siblings who have proximity to that particular individual. Parents must ensure equality among children and make them feel highly comfortable sharing all their problems. It is the responsibility of parents to avoid unnecessary talks and abuses in front of their children. Parents must focus on their children’s school friends and their outdoor environment and must get in touch with their teachers before indulgence in any bad activity which ahead can cause any sort of stress and mental problems.
Apart from the aforementioned measures, it is necessary to spread awareness amongst the masses regarding mental health issues. General masses can get education regarding mental health through different social media platforms by organizing medical camps to give information regarding psychological therapies and other treatments.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk