Ludhiana, October 8
World Mental Health Day was observed at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here today. Posters and educational charts on ‘The relationship between physical and mental health: co-occurring disorders’ were displayed.
Experts pointed out that the state of well-being involved both physical and mental well-being. Mental and physical health and illness represented crucial parts of life and were interdependent, they said.
They said studies had shown that every aspect of health had a major impact on others. Diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular disorders, diabetes and HIV/AIDS should not be viewed in isolation from the possible mental and psychological issues of an individual, they observed.
The World Health Organisation had emphasised that the presence of major physical diseases affected the mental health of individuals and members of their families, societies and countries. An Australian study had shown that individuals with schizophrenia were found to be 2.9 times more likely to die of cardio-vascular disorders than others.
Anxiety and depression often caused adverse changes in a person’s immune system, making the individual prone to physical illness. Mental disorders had a profound effect on the person’s behavioural pattern, including exercise, dietary habits, sexual practice and addiction to smoking and alcohol, which might further increase chances of physical illness.
Special attention was required to an integrated approach to mental health services and primary healthcare. Members of the general public were informed about the four major co-occurring problems, cardio-vascular problems, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer, as these caused anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and stress.
