The World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10th of October to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to prepare mental health efforts. The World Mental Health Day was launched by the World Federation of Mental Health in 1992 to make mental health a reality for all people in the world.

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Mental disorders are the leading causes of illness and disability across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 450 million people suffer from mental disorders worldwide. Every fourth person in the world is at some point in his life affected by mental or neurological disorders. Mental health problems account for approximately 16% of the global burden of disease in people aged between 10 to 19 years.

The theme of the World Mental Health Day 2018 is “Youth and Mental Health in a Changing World.”

The adolescence and the first few years of adulthood are a time of life in which several changes take places, such as changing schools, leaving the home, and entering the university, and a new job. For many, these are exciting moments and in some cases moments of stress and anxiety. The increasing use of online technologies with many benefits has also created additional pressure in this age group. However, if these issues are not recognized and managed, these pressures can lead to mental illness.

What are Mental Problems in Young Adults?

Half of the mental illness begins at the age of 14, but most cases are not studied or treated. In terms of adolescent morbidity, depression is the third most common cause. Suicide is the second most common cause of death in adolescents aged between 15 to 29 years.

Malicious use of alcohol and illegal drugs in adolescents is a major problem in many countries and can lead to risky behavior such as unprotected sex or dangerous driving. Eating disorders are also a problem. If left unchecked, these conditions affect children’s development, academic achievement and the potential for a satisfying and productive life.

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How the Prevention Starts With a Better Understanding of World Mental Health Day?

About 356 million people in India are between 10 and 24 years. In other words, India is a young country where about 30% of the population is young. The prevention and treatment of mental stress in adolescents and young adults should begin early by raising awareness and understanding of the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Parents and teachers can help children and adolescents to develop life skills that will help them in coping with everyday challenges at home and at school. Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community facilities, as well as by qualified health workers who can identify and treat mental disorders. Promoting and protecting adolescent health is beneficial not only to them but also to society and the country.

What is the National Mental Health Activities for World Mental Health Day?

The Indian government has been implementing the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) since 1982 to ensure the availability and accessibility of mental health care for all, through its Central Implementation Center’s district mental health program. The aim is to integrate mental health care into primary health care and to move towards community-based health care.

The National Mental Health Policy and the Mental Health Act of 2017 announced in October 2014 also aim to strengthen mental health services in India.

The Program for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ARSH) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) offers a variety of health services for young adults.

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