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Mental Health Is A State Of Complete Physical, Mental, And Social Environment Essay

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INTRODUCTION:
The WHO definition of health states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." An important part of this definition is that mental health is not just absence of mental disorders or disabilities, it is defined as the 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.
Mental health is determined by various socioeconomic, biological and environmental factors. Some of the associated factors are rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, risks of violence, physical ill-health and human rights violations.
BURDEN OF MENTAL ILLNESSES:
Approximately, 45 crores people have mental health problem across the world. In 2004, mental disorders accounted for 13% of the total disease burden and it is likely to go upto 15% by 2020.
In India, the burden of mental and behavioral disorders ranged from 9.5 to 102 per 1000 population and the population effected is around 60 to 70 million.
Accoding to studies done in Britain, depression is more common in women (National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2003) whereas alcohol and drug dependence is more common in men (The Office for National Statistics Psychiatric Morbidity report, 2001).

National comorbidity survey:

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