As per the World Health Organization's (WHO) estimate, diseases

related to mental health are the leading cause of disability in the

world today. Nearly 75% of the total number of cases start in an
individuals' early 20's.
Epidemiological studies report prevalence rates for psychiatric
disorders varying from 9.5 to 370/1000 population in India. There
are varying prevalence rates of mental disorders , but , available
data from the Indian studies suggests that about 20% of the adult
population in the community is affected with one or the other
psychiatric disorder. According to a report, one in every five
Indians suffers from depression. Other afflictions, such as suicides
and bipolar disorders, are also on the rise.
In order to address the issue and to underscore the importance of
mental health, WHO celebrates 'World Mental Health Day'
annually on October 10.
The theme for this year was 'Psychological first aid'. National
Mental Health Week is also observed in India from October 8 to 15
to make people aware of the magnitude of mental health problem
in India.
The prevalence of depression among Indians is around five per
cent, and, for a country like India, this is a huge number. A
majority of the cases go undiagnosed and people are forced to
suffer in isolation.

Common mental disorders include depression, which affects

about 400 million, dementia which affects about 35 million,
and schizophrenia, which affects about 21 million people globally.

There are many different categories of mental disorder, and many

different facets of human behavior and personality that can
become disordered.[15][16][17][18][19]
Anxiety or fear that interferes with normal functioning may be
classified as an anxiety disorder.[16] Commonly recognized
categories include specific phobias, generalized anxiety
disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic
disorder, agoraphobia,obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Other affective (emotion/mood) processes can also become
disordered. Mood disorder involving unusually intense and
sustained sadness, melancholia, or despair is known as major
depression (also known as unipolar or clinical depression). Milder
but still prolonged depression can be diagnosed
as dysthymia. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
involves abnormally "high" or pressured mood states, known
as mania or hypomania, alternating with normal or depressed
mood. The extent to which unipolar and bipolar mood phenomena
represent distinct categories of disorder, or mix and merge along
a dimension or spectrum of mood, is subject to some scientific
debate.[20][non-primary source needed]
Patterns of belief, language use and perception of reality can
become disordered (e.g., delusions, thought
disorder,hallucinations). Psychotic disorders in this domain
include schizophrenia, and delusional disorder. Schizoaffective

disorderis a category used for individuals showing aspects of both

schizophrenia and affective disorders. Schizotypy is a category
used for individuals showing some of the characteristics
associated with schizophrenia but without meeting cutoff criteria.
Personalitythe fundamental characteristics of a person that
influence thoughts and behaviors across situations and time
may be considered disordered if judged to be abnormally rigid
and maladaptive. Although treated separately by some, the
commonly used categorical schemes include them as mental
disorders, albeit on a separate "axis II" in the case of the DSM-IV.
A number of different personality disorders are listed, including
those sometimes classed as "eccentric", such
asparanoid, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders; types
that have described as "dramatic" or "emotional", such
asantisocial, borderline, histrionic or narcissistic personality
disorders; and those sometimes classed as fear-related, such
asanxious-avoidant, dependent, or obsessivecompulsive personality disorders. The personality disorders in
general are defined as emerging in childhood, or at least by
adolescence or early adulthood. The ICD also has a category for
enduring personality change after a catastrophic experience or
psychiatric illness. If an inability to sufficiently adjust to life
circumstances begins within three months of a particular event or
situation, and ends within six months after the stressor stops or is
eliminated, it may instead be classed as an adjustment disorder.
There is an emerging consensus that so-called "personality
disorders", like personality traits in general, actually incorporate a
mixture of acute dysfunctional behaviors that may resolve in
short periods, and maladaptive temperamental traits that are
more enduring.[21] Furthermore, there are also non-categorical
schemes that rate all individuals via a profile of different
dimensions of personality without a symptom-based cutoff from
normal personality variation, for example through schemes based
on dimensional models.[22][non-primary source needed]

Eating disorders involve disproportionate concern in matters of

food and weight.[16] Categories of disorder in this area
include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, exercise
bulimia or binge eating disorder.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia involve disruption to
normal sleep patterns, or a feeling of tiredness despite sleep
appearing normal.
Sexual disorders and gender dysphoria may be diagnosed,
including dyspareunia and ego-dystonic homosexuality. Various
kinds of paraphilia are considered mental disorders (sexual
arousal to objects, situations, or individuals that are considered
abnormal or harmful to the person or others).
People who are abnormally unable to resist certain urges or
impulses that could be harmful to themselves or others, may be
classed as having an impulse control disorder, and disorders such
as kleptomania (stealing) or pyromania (fire-setting). Various
behavioral addictions, such as gambling addiction, may be
classed as a disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can
sometimes involve an inability to resist certain acts but is classed
separately as being primarily an anxiety disorder.
The use of drugs (legal or illegal, including alcohol), when it
persists despite significant problems related to its use, may be
defined as a mental disorder. The DSM incorporates such
conditions under the umbrella category of substance use
disorders, which includes substance dependence and substance
abuse. The DSM does not currently use the common term drug
addiction, and the ICD simply refers to "harmful use". Disordered
substance use may be due to a pattern of compulsive and
repetitive use of the drug that results in tolerance to its effects
and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.

People who suffer severe disturbances of their self-identity,

memory and general awareness of themselves and their
surroundings may be classed as having a dissociative identity
disorder, such as depersonalization disorder or Dissociative
Identity Disorder itself (which has also been called multiple
personality disorder, or "split personality"). Other memory
orcognitive disorders include amnesia or various kinds of old
age dementia.
A range of developmental disorders that initially occur in
childhood may be diagnosed, for example autism
spectrumdisorders, oppositional defiant disorder and conduct
disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
which may continue into adulthood.
Conduct disorder, if continuing into adulthood, may be diagnosed
as antisocial personality disorder (dissocial personality disorder in
the ICD). Popularist labels such as psychopath (or sociopath) do
not appear in the DSM or ICD but are linked by some to these
diagnoses.
Somatoform disorders may be diagnosed when there are
problems that appear to originate in the body that are thought to
be manifestations of a mental disorder. This includes somatization
disorder and conversion disorder. There are also disorders of how
a person perceives their body, such as body dysmorphic
disorder. Neurasthenia is an old diagnosis involving somatic
complaints as well as fatigue and low spirits/depression, which is
officially recognized by the ICD-10 but no longer by the DSM-IV. [23]
[non-primary source needed]

Factitious disorders, such as Munchausen syndrome, are

diagnosed where symptoms are thought to be experienced
(deliberately produced) and/or reported (feigned) for personal
gain.

Causes:
Risk factors for mental illness include genetic inheritance, such as
parents having depression,[39] or a propensity for high
neuroticism [40][41] or "emotional instability".
In depression, parenting risk factors include parental unequal
treatment,[42] and there is association with high cannabis use. [43]
In schizophrenia and psychosis, risk factors include migration and
discrimination, childhood trauma, bereavement or separation in
families, and abuse of drugs,[44] including cannabis,[43] and
urbanicity.[45]
In anxiety risk factors may include family history (e.g. of anxiety),
temperament and attitudes (e.g. pessimism), [46] and parenting
factors including parental rejection, lack of parental warmth, high
hostility, harsh discipline, high maternal negative affect, anxious
childrearing, modelling of dysfunctional and drug-abusing
behaviour, and child abuse (emotional, physical and sexual). [47]
Environmental events surrounding pregnancy and birth have also
been implicated. Traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of
developing certain mental disorders. There have been some
tentative inconsistent links found to certain viral infections, to
substance misuse, and to general physical health.
Social influences have been found to be important,
[48]
including abuse, neglect, bullying, social stress, traumatic
events and other negative or overwhelming life experiences.
For bipolar disorder, stress (such as childhood adversity) is not a
specific cause, but does place genetically and biologically
vulnerable individuals at risk for a more severe course of illness.
[49]
The specific risks and pathways to particular disorders are less
clear, however. Aspects of the wider community have also been
implicated,[45] including employment problems, socioeconomic ine

quality, lack of social cohesion, problems linked tomigration, and

features of particular societies and cultures.
Drugs
Correlations of mental disorders with drug use include cannabis,
[43]
alcohol[50] and caffeine,[51] use of which appears to
promote anxiety.[52] For psychosis and schizophrenia, usage of a
number of drugs has been associated with development of the
disorder, including cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines.
[53]
There has been debate regarding the relationship between
usage of cannabis and bipolar disorder.[54]
Genetics

Diagnosis:
Psychiatrists seek to provide a medical diagnosis of individuals by
an assessment of symptoms and signs associated with particular
types of mental disorder. Other mental health professionals, such
as clinical psychologists, may or may not apply the same
diagnostic categories to their clinical formulation of a client's
difficulties and circumstances.[57] The majority of mental health
problems are, at least initially, assessed and treated by family
physicians (in the UK general practitioners) during consultations,
who may refer a patient on for more specialist diagnosis
in acute or chronic cases.
Routine diagnostic practice in mental health services typically
involves an interview known as a mental status examination,
where evaluations are made of appearance and behavior, selfreported symptoms, mental health history, and current life
circumstances. The views of other professionals, relatives or other
third parties may be taken into account. A physical examination to
check for ill health or the effects of medications or other drugs
may be conducted. Psychological testing is sometimes used via

paper-and-pen or computerized questionnaires, which may

include algorithms based on ticking off standardized diagnostic
criteria, and in rare specialist cases neuroimaging tests may be
requested, but such methods are more commonly found in
research studies than routine clinical practice

Mental health promotion aims to promote positive mental health

by increasing psychological well-being, competence and
resilience, and by creating supporting living conditions and
environments.

Good mental health is also more than just the absence of a

mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
depression, or anxiety. A person who is mentally healthy has a
state of well-being in which he or she realizes his or her own
abilities, is able to cope with lifes normal stresses, can work
regularly and productively, and is also able to make a contribution
to the community. Good mental health, therefore, is the
foundation for an individuals and a communitys effective
functioning and well-being.

1. Mind Your Body

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Studies have shown that
exercise and proper diet actually improve mental capacity and

longevity. Being overweight can lead to self-esteem issues and

eventually depression, and a salt- and fat-heavy diet makes for a
lethargic body and mind. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables,
then join a gym or create your own home workout program and
start addressing your physical health today.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering your time can be a major boost to your self-esteem,
plus you get that feel good emotion by helping out those in
need. If youre looking for opportunities to volunteer in your local
community, use the website VolunteerMatch for guidance. There
are many concrete benefits of giving back to the community, one
of the least celebrated is the emotional health of the giver.
3. Relax More
Do you lead a busy professional life? How about at home do
you have kids? In todays day and age its easy to feel like youve
got no time to yourself, but its there you just have to commit
to it. Even if you can squeeze in just 30 minutes of alone time in
which you listen to music or watch TV at the end of the day, your
mind can benefit a great deal.
4. Associate With Positive People
Associating with the right people can do worlds of good for your
mental health. If your friends or family members tend to be
negative and simply dont see the glass as half-full, find yourself
some better people to spend time with. Of course, you dont have
to ditch important folks just because they have negative attitudes
some of the time, just bolster your network of friends with those
who dont. Otherwise, those damaging mindsets may seep into
your thinking.
5. Eliminate Bad Habits

Are you still smoking cigarettes? What about consuming alcohol?

If you are, do what you have to do to quit. Either of these vices
can give you short-term pleasure, but they do serious damage to
your overall mental health. Excessive drinking can actually boost
stress and may lead to depression, and smoking can increase
tension.
You can achieve a much better frame of mind, and live a lot
longer, by changing your ways. If thats not motivation enough to
quit, you can also save quite a bit of money by ridding yourself of
these vices.
6. Ask for Help When Needed
Theres nothing wrong with asking for help if youre worried about
your mental health, and it doesnt necessarily have to involve a
professional service although that might be a good idea if you
believe your condition is serious. Reach out to friends or family
members and simply tell them you havent been feeling well.
Open up an honest line of communication and youre sure to find
ways to alleviate the problems.
7. Do More of What Makes You Happy
If you like playing golf, do more of it. Enjoy crossword puzzles?
Schedule more time for them. Whatever it is in life that makes
you happy as long as it doesnt have consequences detrimental
to your health commit to doing it more often.
Its way too easy to get caught up in the hustle of professional
life, or get overwhelmed by stress, but stress cannot cure any
problems. Identify the activities that bring you happiness and find
more time for them.
8. Set Life Goals

If you dont have a clear direction in life, chances are your mind is
constantly wading through the possibilities and stressing about
the future. Whether its on a personal or professional level, try to
set long-term goals. That way, you know what youre working
toward and its going to be easier to ward off career or personal
life dissatisfaction. When you reach a goal your notion of selfworth improves.
9. Keep a Diary
Keeping a diary can do worlds of good for your mental wellbeing.
Sometimes the simple process of writing out your feelings and
reactions to lifes events can crystallize issues you didnt
consciously recognize.
Pick up an inexpensive diary at your local office supply retailer
and start writing down a few notes each day reactions to things
that happened, aspirations, or even just free association. This
exercise can help you manage stress and reduce anxiety.
10. Communicate More
No matter who youve got in your life whether its a huge
family or just one best friend communicate often. The more you
talk about your feelings and emotions, the easier it is to identify
any potentially troubling signs. Keep your personal relationships
intact and use them to your best advantage.
Personal finance is a huge factor in mental health. If youve been
struggling of late to make ends meet, it can be all too easy to fall
into a state of depression, dissatisfaction or general discontent.
Do everything you can to strengthen your financial picture. Get
yourself on a budget, control and reduce your expenses, and try
to earn extra money on the side. Being proactive about your

finances can have a huge impact on your mental health, so get

started today

In Homoeopathy Constitutional disturbances causing Chronic

diseases can be treated very effectively with Constitutional
remedy .
Constitutional remedies :-

It is the medicine selected by qualified Homoeopathic physician

by a thorough case taking of an individual which includes all his
complaints in detail i.e. physical, mental & subconscious makeup
of an individual.
Only this system of medicine gives detail information about - Intellectual
- Emotional
- Subconcious
state on mind & related symptoms or disorders.
In homoeopathy we need to take a detail case history of every
individual & ask several questions to the Patient.
The case history includes the patient's chief complaint for which
the patient has come to us, other complaints related to the
different systems of the body, the patient's physical
characteristics like appearance, weight, skin condition, face
peculiarities, thermal conditions.

Personal history including his appetite, thirst, likes & dislikes in

food, normal discharges perspiration, stool, urine, menstruation
etc. Their sexual functions, the sleep and position in sleep.
Mental make up of a person which has several dimensions like
intellect, emotions and subconscious which includes childhood,
schooling and adolescence phase, married life, family members
and their interpersonal relationships, major / minor incidences in
their life (Good or bad), suppressed desires, fears, hobbies, and
their peculiar qualities, dreams and their feelings.

Central Research Institute for Homoeopathy (CRIH), Kottayam is

an organization running under CCRH, which is an autonomous
research body under Ministry of AYUSH.
CRIH offers quality medical care to people suffering with various
mental disorders in a 100 bedded Psychiatric IPD and OPDs.
Patients are receiving efficient treatment for their psychic
illnesses and being benefitted in large numbers through
Homoeopathic system of medicine.