Mental Health Education: Why Is It Important?

Awareness

Without mental health awareness, people are less likely to know if they have a problem, and are less likely to be understanding if somebody else is having a problem. Awareness is needed to educate people on medication, mental health problems, treatments and the stigma around all of it. Although society has come quite far in relation to mental health awareness, it still has a way to go.

 

Medication 

Unfortunately, many people still look at medication for mental health problems with skepticism. After all, it’s hard for some to empathise with others who have a problem they’ve never had to deal with. This can actually lead to people sabotaging mental health treatment. It doesn’t take a lot to put somebody off of taking their medication, especially in the beginning when they may be struggling with side effects. Family members may share their disagreement and misconceptions, for example, “You don’t need to take those. They’re so bad for you,”, and, “You just need more fresh air, that’s the best anti-depressant.” The stigma can also lead somebody to be afraid to go and speak to a mental health professional, because they think they will just be put on lots of medication straight away. The truth about medication, at least when it comes to mental health, is that in the beginning a patient does need to be monitored. With lots of things, it’s difficult to get it exactly right on the first try. Some medications agree with patients, while others may take the same and have severe side effects, eventually finding that they suit something different. Sometimes treatment may include ECT (electro-convulsive therapy). Many films and television programmes have put out an unfavourable view of ECT, which can be quite effective. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are side effects such as memory loss. ECT is a last resort treatment.   

Types of Mental Health Problem

Some mental health problems, like depression and anxiety (which we most frequently hear about compared to other mental health problems), can usually be treated using therapy and sometimes medication. Although everybody experiences anxiety, this kind of anxiety isn’t a ‘normal’ level. A usual reason to experience anxiety may be a driving test, or a job interview. Some people experience extremely high levels of anxiety around things that aren’t actually very stressful for the average person – for example, social gatherings (with friends), going outside, and using public transport. This level of anxiety is extremely disruptive to daily life. SSRIs are also sometimes prescribed to those who are depressed and anxious. There are more complicated mental health problems that aren’t talked about as much as depression and anxiety. Examples would be bipolar disorder (once known as manic depression), dissociative identity disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder (also known as borderline personality disorder) and schizophrenia. These illnesses are debilitating and require long-term management, which may be through medication and regular therapy sessions. The side effects to the medications for these illnesses may be a bit more difficult to live with, and it can be a balancing act with the focus being the overall well-being and safety of the patient.

 

There is still a lot to learn

There is still a lot of work and research to be done for mental health problems and treatments. Mental health education is important for society, and for the future of treatments.