Social and Cultural Attitude towards Mental Illness

According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 7 people are living with some kind of mental health issues globally; that is over 1 billion people on Earth.

Here in the UK, 1 in 8 people are suffering from mental health issues every week, costing the economy almost £82 billion each year. These numbers clearly show that it is barely fictional and definitely not a sudden trend. 

A lot of us think that motivation is enough to make someone get suddenly energised. Or, telling them to have faith and worship God more is the solution. In a video I witnessed, a brilliant, practising Muslim Psychiatrist (unfortunately, I cannot remember her name) addressed the matter in a simple manner.

She said, ''When someone is depressed, having trouble doing the simple daily activities, and you are telling them to pray more to get rid of the condition, it is like telling a person who is in a wheelchair to suddenly get up and run a marathon.''

What people with mental illness face daily:

• Dealing with overwhelming sadness, fear, and anxiety while trying to act okay so no one can sense the vulnerability. Like it or not, most people are judgmental towards mental health issues. Because of this, the sufferer will naturally try to isolate themself.
• Others don’t understand how hard it is to make a simple decision, as simple as taking a shower or seeing the greenery outside. Writing down every single task just to remind oneself, or trying to concentrate on a close one’s conversation.
• Lacking motivation is an understatement. The sufferer is just waiting for the time in this world to run out, so the loop ends. Some cannot even wait for the end.
• Over 32% of UK employees every week cannot reach their productivity goal due to mental health issues. Almost 40% of employees fear discrimination if they disclose their issues.
• A majority of these sufferers fear being misunderstood by their family and friends. Or, just try to run away from a motivational speech, ‘’cheer up’’ ‘’just snap out of it’’ type of comments.
• A study shows that only 30% of people are receiving proper treatment for their mental health issues. Others are maybe just stuck on a long waiting list for months or years in the GP list, waiting to have the right diagnosis.

Data on Social and Cultural Attitudes:

• Global data shows that almost 80% of people are avoiding diagnosis or treatment due to social stigma and fear of being discriminated. This data came from studies done in 63 countries. Countries with low GDP and low literacy rates mostly don’t even believe in the idea of mental health issues.  
• The literacy level about mental well-being is alarmingly low. Only 15% of the adult population can name 3 common mental health illnesses.
• About 60% of people with mental illness reported discrimination at work. 47% of people reported feeling uncomfortable working together or around someone with any mental health condition. Media portrayal plays a major role in this. I don't remember the last time I watched any character in the movies with mental illness portrayed as positive, other than just a villain.
• Globally, around 1.5 billion people need professional care for their mental well-being. Unfortunately, 70% of them are not even receiving any proper treatment.
• In the UK, 69% of adults see mental illness as a sign of weakness. Based on gender, 78% of men believe the same.
• It is even more heart breaking when family and culture see this as a dishonour to even seek some sort of help. For example, the South Asian community is reported to be the champion in social stigma! They have the lowest number of people who seek help, even though having a 30% rate of depression. The number is 20% when it comes to the Black/African community.
• 69% of UK people believe mental illness is a sign of weakness or a character flaw. When in reality, studies show over and over again that mental health is influenced by social, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. 

In conclusion, the numbers are highly thought-provoking. Mental health conditions have always been there, just like any other diseases. This is not a new invention of the new century. However, the influential factors may have changed or gotten stronger due to the fast pace of the modern world.

It is truly sad that we pay so much attention to what people are wearing or eating on social media. But we hardly pay attention to the family member having trouble concentrating, or the friend getting distant for a while. We blame technology when we don't even talk to each other over lunch without touching our phones at least once.