A healthy population is the primary source of the world’s growth and overall sustainability. But mental illnesses stand in the way of the state and the individual’s progress. After all, anything that affects the population affects the state as a whole. Mental illnesses have become a severe issue today, as the negative impact of these illnesses directly affects society.
According to statistics, about 792 million people suffered from some mental health disorder in 2017. The percentage has only grown in the last three years. About 264 million of these people dealt with depression and 284 million with anxiety disorders. Such a high rate of mental illnesses in the population, of course, has its consequences. As a result, nearly 800,000 people died from suicide alone. The amount of people struggling with suicidal tendencies and failed suicide attempts is still unrecorded. When mental disorders hold such drastic impacts on our society, we must find ways to deal with these mental illnesses. We must find ways to reduce the statistics by providing people help and taking preventative steps.
Preventative steps for mental illnesses
If you want to support the community in their battle against mental disorders, you must take all preventative measures necessary. You can help improve the community’s conditions by preventing the onset of such mental illnesses before they start taking shape or get worse. You must take measures to help the ones suffering from the disorders and support them in any way possible.
You can help individuals suffering at home by following the steps advised by experts and through ample support. But, if you seek to branch out and help the community, getting into the field is crucial. It will allow you to learn the ropes and help people suffering from such illnesses. To become a professional counseling psychologist, you will need a master’s degree and a license. The same goes for a master’s degree in psychology and a practice license to become a therapist. However, one can opt to study the forensic psychology degree online and apply for the license later. It will serve as an indicator of your expertise and allow you to climb the ladder to higher occupations.
So the types of preventions include:
Primary prevention
Primary prevention aims to develop programs to stop mental health problems from occurring. These programs promote a healthy environment and safe mental space for everyone. Some ways to implement primary preventative methods are:
- Provide awareness: The leading cause of growing mental health problems is the general population’s lack of understanding. Awareness about the causes and results of emotional, behavioral, and mental health problems can lead to early prevention. When people consciously start making an effort to make the environment a safe and secure space for everyone, less mental issues will arise. Awareness also promotes acceptance. Acceptance of boundaries and choices can help people make better decisions for themselves and others to promote a safe environment.
- Make mental health services available: Mental health services should be available everywhere and accessible to all. There is no shame in acquiring such services in times of distress. They can help you deal with the problem in a much healthy way. Provide mental health services and counseling to children in school, adults in offices, and local community centers. Promote seeking help and normalize it so that mental problems are identified in their early stages.
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention focuses on people who are more likely to develop mental health problems. These prevention targets individuals recognized as having higher risks of mental issues due to their environment, genetic inheritance, or past trauma. Some ways to provide secondary prevention are providing professional help through counseling and therapy to people who went through some trauma. The trauma can be a death, hate crime, violence, an accident, etc. These things make a person vulnerable to mental illnesses, and early help can save them from such suffering. Secondary prevention also starts from home and the person’s immediate environment. A person with blood relatives who go through chronic diseases, bipolar disorders, depression, etc., is more prone to these illnesses. The family and friend circle of this person can take active steps to prevent these conditions by giving them the support they need.
Tertiary prevention
Tertiary prevention is all about giving support and help to people who are suffering from mental illnesses. Your support can help save lives and help the sufferers live a quality life. Tertiary prevention programs aim to help people deal with mental illness symptoms that prevent them from leading a healthy life. They help limit the complications of these illnesses and guide people about how they can manage their symptoms. These programs work along with professional mental health problems.
Many mental health careers will allow you to help people and manage and prevent mental illnesses professionally. A clinical or counseling psychologist treats people with an emotional disorder, behavioral disorder, or mental disorder. Some therapists help people in dealing with their mental illnesses in the context of their life and relationships. Physics psychologists help law enforcement agencies identify common criminal behavior and other psychological factors in court.
Conclusion
Mental illnesses are a leech that slowly drains all the energy, will, and life of a person. And as they affect an individual, they affect society. As a part of the community, we should take all steps to prevent mental illnesses from developing by providing a safe place for everyone. Awareness and acceptance play a massive role in the effort against such disorders. That is why we have to play a role in making this society a healthy and secure place, full of love and support.
