Special Fact Sheet on mental health statistics and current trends.
The take away from all of this, is to remember that you are not alone. There are many people around the world who are struggling with a number of issues and concerns and we want you to know that you are so loved and supported.
It is important to find a community of support that can help you to heal and step out of the generationally conditioned stigmas that we as a South Asian culture and community deal with every day.
Of course, the pandemic worked to further separate and divide our communities through isolation, fear and mandates, so this is a time to heal and re-centre. It's time to focus on our own healing and support our mental health with a warm community of culturally sensitive supporters, ready to help you at meet you where you are at.
Safely online and virtual, available during the day, evenings and weekends, we are ready to assist you in your journey to help you cope and manage your circumstances.
We are working to remove the stigma of mental health. Please know that you are welcome in our community, completely supported, and every session is completely confidential.
Let's work to transcend the stigma of mental health together.
Remember, therapy is not about fixing you, because you are not broken.
According to WHO statistics, In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety around 5 per cent and depressive disorders, 4.5 per cent, being the most common.
In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year.
Barriers to mental health care: While effective prevention and treatment options exist, many people with mental disorders do not access care due to stigma, discrimination, affordability, ignorance and isolation.
The current advancement in treatment is effective in treating disorders such as Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Anxiety and depression, the most common of the disorders, can be very well managed with both medication and therapy. However, many doubt the treatment benefits due to the chronic nature of these disorders.
There continues to be myths, ignorance and barriers for treatment for trauma, autism, ADHD and personality disorder. When untreated, they often contribute or exacerbate substance abuse, relationship issues and suicidal behaviours.
Many in the South Asian Community, especially men, shy away from treatment as seeking help for emotional issues is considered a weakness. Men are beginning to realize that being aware of emotions are crucial part of healthy relationships and creating a successful life. In recent years, men are realizing the importance of emotional intelligence and find modern cognitive approaches to therapy more palatable.
A supportive and informed family and extended family environment is crucial for better outcome for patients with mental disorders. This support minimizes the exposure to embarrassment, improves medication noncompliance and and better coping skills that would prevent a relapse.
There are newer treatment modalities for treatment resistant depression, trauma and substance abuse which include EMDR, psychedelics, mindful meditation, theatre and yoga. These strategies assist by desensitization, acceptance and perceptual enhancement.
As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in relation to human culture, personality, sexuality and ability are improving across organizations all around the world, the rights and dignity of diverse individuals are accepted and celebrated more, leading to better quality of life for all individuals.
Similarly, the acknowledgement of struggles in dealing and coping with disabilities and mental health by famous personalities and celebrities are helping the public in awareness, acceptance and normalization of mental health challenges.
Special thanks to Rexon Ray, MSW, RSW for guest authoring this blog for us.
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