Disease Trends of Mental Illness

Disease Trends of Mental Illness

Mental health is often overlooked. So, when we discuss it pertaining to disease trends, the results are always shocking. It seems as if it is always worse than what was originally thought. “The American Journal of Public Health recently reported a study which shows a 2.7% increase in self-reported mental health disability among the non-elderly.” (Mack, 2012). The article does not make it clear on what is meant by self-reported mental health disabilities, but I would venture to say that it means the percentage of people who have sought help because they felt there was a mental illness issue. Once evaluated, it was found that they indeed had a mental illness. This article discusses different possible causes of mental illness, how and if it can be prevented, and the things you may want to avoid doing if you think you may be suffering from mental illness.
While some individuals may be born with a mental illness, others develop it over time. Stress, socioeconomic factors, such as poverty or being laid off from a job, and other life-altering experiences can often times cause a mental illness to occur. Everyone handles these types of changes in different ways. Some have problems coping and cannot handle the things that are happening. Physically ill people have a risk of also acquiring some type of mental health issue. “It is also well known that people with chronic diseases are more prone to mental illness.” (Mack, 2012).
The author begins discussing preventative methods by sarcastically stating:
“Every body just stop what you are doing; take a deep breath; and just relax! Well anyone who has ever

suffered from clinical Depression or Anxiety will tell you’ it is not quite that easy’.”
Mack suggests that a change of scenery may help, but not all people have the resources to leave for a mental health break. He goes on to share that diet and exercise may help to put you in a healthier state of mind. Regular exercise and a balanced...