Differentiating Mental health Disorders and Mental Impairments

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Globally an estimated 284 million people experience mental health challenges, Making it the most prevalent health disorder. According to the Global Burden of Disease study. It estimated that 792 million people live with a mental health disorder.

This month of May is celebrated by creating awareness on mental health distresses and fueling up ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions by sharing personal experiences. It’s an absolute fact that many people worldwide suffer in silence because of misconceptions about mental illnesses. and for the many in developing countries these conditions go untreated.

As a Disability inclusion Advisor. I feel like it has never been more pertinent than now for society to understand the differences between mental Impairments and mental health distresses. Realizing this will help everyone to recognize the role mental health plays in our society, improve our well-being and stimulate the value of helping those in need to receive treatment.

Diving into this discussion many require us to first understand these two terms “Impairments Distresses”

Whereas Impairment refers to diminishment or loss of functioning in a body part or system, a distress implies an external and usually temporary state of being in agony which may cause physical or mental strain and stress. From the above definitions we see that the two are different but interlinked. Now that you know these.

The following definitions will help you to distinguish between the different mental problems, spanning from normal everyday mental problems to severe psychopathology and how they can be managed:

Mental impairments

Mental impairments are a group of invisible brain disorders characterized by difficulty in cognition and self-care. some are assessed and treated by psychiatrists and others can be managed by medication. 

They are only qualified as impairments in case they have had a long-term impact on an individual and destabilize their day today functionality and productivity.

Unfortunately, psychiatry has not found useful biological markers to help diagnose and cure all mental impairments. If you have a milder mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression, then you may start off with psychotherapy, and if that does not suffice alone, then prescription medication may augment the psychotherapy. For more severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, prescription medication treatment is the primary treatment, then once stabilized from acute illness, then psychotherapy, coaching, or helping with activities of daily living may be indicated.

Mental distress 

Mental distress is something everyone experiences. It is part of everyday life, and we all have our daily mishaps and disappointments. For example, maybe your car won’t start in the freezing winter weather. Or maybe a colleague was mean and nasty to you at work. Mental distress is normal, and a part of everyone’s life. Usually, you can cope with mental distress and just work through it yourself. If the mental distress is more severe, then you might go and talk with a friend or your mentor or your parents.

Mental health problems 

Mental health problems occur when you have a major set-back in your life. Maybe your dog died. Or maybe you had a breakup with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe you are having marital problems and getting separated or divorce. Maybe you lost everything and are going bankrupt. Maybe you got fired from you job. These major setbacks are faced by many of us, and these personal losses can cause significant distress. If you have mental health problems, you may need to see a counsellor to talk through your problems and bolster your coping skills.

How to manage Mental health Disorders from becoming Impairments ( Disabilities).

 In case you ever find yourself in a situation that is challenging you mentally. My humble advice to you is practice mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment.

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. There is no health without mental health don't wait to get a mental disorder to practice mindfulness start now.

 

Godfrey Nanyenya

Disability Inclusion Specialist










 

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