By Mia Halmasi – Art in Tanzania internship
Mental health doesn’t simply affect your well-being; it also affects your quality of life, friendships, relationships, self-esteem and physical health. Struggling with decision-making and belonging to our communities may have even more harmful effects than we realise – it is not just about physical health! Mental health is just as essential for our communities. If you want to enhance your work life, family life, friendships, relationships, and self-esteem, please follow along!
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), as high as 40 – 50 per cent of those living with HIV in Tanzania also experience mental health problems, and 10–15% of Tanzanians suffer from mental health problems overall. These could be the result of a lack of mental health professionals in the community and a lack of social support, which may stem from stigmatising the issue, even if it happens unwillingly. Additionally, mental health issues are a contributing factor in the rise in student absences from school. However, many cultures (particularly those without the internet) do not take mental disorders seriously enough, and many people consider they are only “temporary phases” that people go through. This is the outcome of the issue not receiving enough attention.
As a result, there is a constantly growing mental health crisis across the globe due to a lack of treatment and consideration. Have you ever considered that stress alone might trigger several health problems, including digestive disorders, heart disease, and blood pressure problems that could even result in fatalities? These may also be related when a person receives a medical diagnosis and experiences worry and anxiety, which exacerbates the illness. As a result, there is a connection and dependence between mental and physical health.
Have you ever considered the potential impact that poor mental health, mainly if left untreated, may have on children’s growth and education? Family issues and keeping quiet about mental struggles could be among the several causes. One method to resolve this is for parents to support their kids in talking about their mental health issues by creating a secure space for them to do so. However, communities must unite to guarantee that mental health is not overlooked and its significance is incorporated into daily community life. This is particularly crucial because some mental health issues might appear invisible to persons who are experiencing them as well as to others.
The good news is that there are several things we can do as a society to improve mental and, consequently, physical health. The most common disorders affecting Tanzanians are those connected to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Something that you contribute today to address the
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