Mental health awareness is recognizing the impact that mental illness can have on people’s lives and understanding that there are resources to support them. It is also about reducing stigma and prejudice towards those with mental health disorders.
A mental health disorder is an illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. Common mental illnesses include anxiety disorders (excessive fear or nervousness), depressive disorders (feeling low or hopeless) and bipolar disorders (changes in mood). The causes of a mental illness can be complex and vary from person to person. They may be the result of genetics, brain chemistry, environment and experience. Some people may be at higher risk of a mental illness because of their living conditions or the way they are treated. These can include adolescents in humanitarian or fragile settings; those living with chronic illness or disability, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability; those who are pregnant, adolescent parents or in early or forced marriages; and those from minority ethnic and sexual communities.
Stigma is a barrier that can prevent people from seeking help for their mental health. It can come from a lack of understanding and fear, or inaccurate or misleading media representations of mental health disorders. It can also come from the self-stigma experienced by those with mental illness – their own negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves. Reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations can lead to greater acceptance of a person’s mental health needs, enabling them to seek treatment.