Q&A

Q1: What is mental health?

A1:Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.(WHO)

Q2: Who suffers from mental health disorders?

A2: Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 2004 U.S. Census residential population estimate for ages 18 and older, this figure translates to 57.7 million people. In addition, around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems.

Q3:If mental health disorders are so easily treatable, why don’t more people seek help?

A3:Stigma about mental disorders and discrimination against patients and families prevent people from seeking mental health care. Additionally, the majority of mental illness cases go undiagnosed and untreated.

Q4: What is depression?

A4: Depression is characterized by sustained sadness and loss of interest along with psychological, behavioural and physical symptoms. It is ranked as the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Q5: Who is most at risk for depression?

A5: Those with a genetic predisposition, as well as women. Nearly twice as many women (12.0 %) as men (6.6%) are affected by a depressive disorder each year. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2001)

Q6: What is the relation between mental health and suicide?

A6:Mental disorders are one of the most prominent and treatable causes of suicide.

Q7: Where in the world are mental health problems prevalent?

A7: Mental, neurological and behavioural disorders are common to all countries and cause immense suffering. People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of staggering economic and social costs.

Q8: Is there any relation to mental health disorders and other health problems?

A8: Mental illnesses affect and are affected by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Untreated, they bring about unhealthy behaviour, non-compliance with prescribed medical regimens, diminished immune functioning, and poor prognosis.

Q9: What is the prevalence of mental disorders around the world?

A9:While the mental and neurological disorders are responsible for about one per cent of deaths, they account for almost 11 per cent of disease burden the world over.

Q10: Is the success rate high for treatment of mental disorders?

A10: Yes! If the treatment is available, the success rates tend to be pretty high. Just a few examples are: 

  •  For bipolar disorder: 80%
  •  For major depression: 65%
  •  For schizophrenia: 60%
  •  Treatment success rate for heart disease: 45%