Mental Health Study: Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders Kill More People Than HIV, Diabetes

A new worldwide study revealed that more people were either dying or getting sick due to mental disorders and substance abuse than from AIDS, diabetes and tuberculosis. Australian and American researchers have discovered that disorders relating to depression have the largest percentage of 40 per cent of global death.

Young girls and women over 14 years of age were usually the victims. Data taken from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) showed that mental illness and drug abuse were the ones to blame for non-fatal diseases in the whole world.

The study took data from 187 countries and found mental illness and drug abuse to be the fifth biggest cause of death.

Taking care of your mental health

Mental health is described as a state of well-being in which a person is able to acknowledge his or her own capability in dealing with the normal challenges and stresses that life will bring. A person is said to be in good mental health when despite these stresses, he or she is able to be productive and contribute to betterment of the community. Mental health is disrupted when an individual gives in to stress and becomes incapable of coping.

According to health experts, an essential key to coping with stress is through the method of relaxation. Having the time to relax is as important part in having a balanced mind and body. If the current situation cannot be handled, there is a need to change it in order to reduce or remove stress. A change in lifestyle or attitude is in order.

People with sound minds and bodies are people who are capable of having a strong resistance to stress. They can also easily adapt and have a positive outlook on things. A person who is unhealthy will only be easily irritated on the daily routine and will only prolong his agony and exposure to objects that will bring stress. Improving one's general health includes developing a diet program and optimal sleep schedule. There is a need for rest as the body will be the most affected by stress, thereby ensuring good mental health.