Question

Choose a mental health condition of interest to you and answer the following questions.

1. Why did you choose this condition?
2. Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with this condition?
3. What percentage of the population has been diagnosed with this condition?
4. Are there any stigmas pertaining to this condition?
5. What education can be provided to remove the stigma(s)?
6. What words of encouragement or type of support would you give to an individual with this condition?

Answer 1

I would choose "ANXIETY DISORDER".

ANXIETY refers to emotional state where one feels nervous or unease about something which maybe uncertain and unclear. This a normal day to day feeling that almost everyone faces. It's a feeling that comes and goes and does not interfere with everyday life.

But ANXIETY DISORDERS refers to the feeling of being anxious that is constant, intense and sometimes debilitating. It interferes with everyday life and one may stop doing things that he/she used to enjoy earlier.

REASON FOR CHOOSING THIS CONDITION

• Anxiety disorders are the most common forms of emotional disorder. It can affect anyone at any age.
• One maybe suffering from anxiety disorders , but people may not differentiate from being normally anxious and suffering from a anxiety disorder.
• It interests me because a large population suffers from anxiety and discussing about these kind of mental issues will help out many people to understand their emotions better.
• This condition is easily treatable yet only a small fraction of the people suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment.

Almost 18 % of adult population in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders.

YES THERE ARE STIGMAS PERTAINING TO THIS CONDITION.

• Many people believe that having anxiety is a sign of personal weakness.
• It is a stigma among people that if someone is anxious then he or she can easily come out of that feeling and stop being "anxious". But it is not possible for a person who is suffering from anxiety disorders.
• Some people do not consider it to be a disease or illness at all.
• Many think that people with anxiety problems are unpredictable and neurotic.

EDUCATION TO REMOVE THE STIGMAS.

• People need to be educated that anxiety disorder is real mental health concern that needs to be given attention.
• People need to understand that it is a weakness and definitely not something to make fun of.
• The mass needs to be educated about the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders.
• People need to be made aware of prevention and management techniques .
• Knowledge of supporting others should be imparted.

In this way people would be more open and can talk about their problems easily . They will seek much needed help.

ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

• We can support them by listening to their problems without any judgement.
• If someone is experiencing a attack we need to make they calm and relaxed.
• We should encourage them to seek medical help.
• We should support them in their journey of progress so that they can lead a life without worries.