October 10th was observed as Mental Health Day in many countries of the world. It is celebrated each year to increase involvement in the matters of mental health – encouraging global mental health education and advocacy against the social stigma that is often associated with it. Sadly, here in Anguilla the day passed without much fanfare.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. There is a range of mental health disorders. Mental health problems are common but help is available on Anguilla for the vast majority of mental health challenges. Many individuals with mental health problems can get better – and many recover completely. Unfortunately, many individuals in Anguilla with mental health issues fail to seek help, and a few often refuse to participate in treatment protocols.
The importance of mental health
For many years, health professionals in Anguilla have advocated that more needs to be done about mental health on the island. We must continue to educate our community and instill in them how important mental health is to their well being. In many countries, including Anguilla, there is much stigma associated with mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated things tremendously. Ensuring mental and emotional wellbeing is difficult on any given day, but added pressures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has made life difficult for many individuals. If, as a country, we continue to ignore mental health, it will soon reach the boiling point making it extremely difficult and dangerous for many individuals to live healthily. With the downfall of the economy and loss of jobs, uncertainty, and emotional distress cloud over the country, there is no doubt that we will see an alarming increase in the number of people being affected by mental health issues. It is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years. We here in Anguilla must ensure that mental health is prioritised now more than ever before.
COVID-19 pandemic and mental health
It is estimated that one person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives, but with the COVID-19 pandemic this is likely to increase. The entire population is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but the mental health effects have largely been ignored or minimised by many communities. A number of individuals might be negatively affected by this pandemic, but a number of groups are predicted to be affected more severely by this pandemic and result in many mental health challenges. These include the following:
• Health-care workers who areproviding care in difficult circumstances, and going to work fearful of bringing COVID-19 home with them.
• Students – adapting to taking classes from home, with little contact with teachers and friends, and anxious about their futures.
• Workers, especially those in the hospitality industry, whose livelihoods are threatened.
• Vulnerable members of the community – especially those caught in poverty.
• Individuals with mental health conditions. Many are experiencing even greater social isolation than before.
• Other members of the community, and those abroad, who are managing the grief of losing a loved one – sometimes without being able to say goodbye.
What are some common mental health disorders?
There are a number of mental health disorders. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Even if we do not have a mental health disorder we all need to take care of our mental health and wellbeing.
If you are not sure that you, or someone you know, might be having a mental health disorder the following might prove helpful. If you are experiencing one or more of the following feelings, or behaviours, may be an early warning sign of a problem:
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you cannot get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
Talking to a close friend, relative, or pastor about your problem might be helpful – but if you think that you have a mental health disorder you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Maintaining one’s mental health at this time is very important. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us. We must strive to maintain good mental health at all times despite the pandemic. Positive mental health allows people to realise their full potential, cope with the stress of life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to their communities. If you are someone with a mental health disorder, or you know of someone with a mental health issue, please seek professional health. Help is available. Most people with mental health problems can get better. Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that happen over time. The first step is getting help.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-eight years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
