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There are two aspects of
mental health to consider, one is mental illness and the
other is mental health or well being.
Of these two topics, mental
illness frequently makes the headlines as the statistics
are growing increasingly alarming year by year. In
Ireland there are as many suicides as road deaths per
annum (approx. 450). Depression is the most common
mental illness with one in every five individuals
suffering from depression sometime in their lives. While
about 3 % of the population will experience a psychotic
episode and may go on to suffer with schizophrenia or
bi-polar disorder. Alcoholism and addiction are also
growing diseases largely not addressed by society while
eating disorders may be considered as a direct result of
our culture.
But what does our mental
health or well being mean to each and everyone of us?
How well are we equipped to cope with many of the
stressful events that are part of everyday life?
Currently, society seems to
have embraced every aspect of our personal well being in
an attempt to live longer, live healthier and live
happier. However, mental health difficulties can include
psychological, emotional, social and somatic dimensions,
which often make it hard for people to manage their
lives and achieve their goals.
So, at some point in our
lives, each one of us will encounter a personal problem
that we may need help and support dealing with. Where do
we turn?
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