The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can contribute to his or her community. Emotional, behavioral, and social maturity, psychological well-being that enables the person to integrate with his or her social environment, also includes the balance of love, work, and recreational pursuits. If there is harmony and satisfaction in this interaction process, the individual is considered to be mentally healthy.

Preventive and rehabilitative services are not at the desired level

Mental health problems can occur as a result of a variety of biological and environmental factors. Many factors such as genetic predisposition, personality traits, traumas, war, economic difficulties and environmental problems can cause mental distress and health problems in people. Today, mental health services in Turkey are mostly treatment-oriented. Preventive and rehabilitative services are not provided at the desired level throughout the country due to the low number of professional workers and inadequate preventive in-service training. Studies show that 5 of the 10 diseases that most frequently cause disability and premature death in the world are psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, alcoholism and compulsive disorders). Today, one in every four people experiences one or more mental and behavioral problems throughout their lives.

Stress and difficulties in living conditions trigger depression

Depression is the most common mental illness today. In fact, depression can be defined as the ‘common cold’ of psychiatric disorders in today’s Turkey, where emotions are experienced very intensely. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by unhappiness, weakness and decreased activation that occupy daily life. When it becomes persistent, the feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness that are felt can prevent a person from doing work, studying and having fun. Depression is most common between the ages of 18-30 and 45-65. Studies show that both depression and anxiety are more common in the lives of urban people and that the rate of mental illness in women is twice as high as in men. People being more aware of their illnesses, the difficulties in today’s living conditions and stress are also seen as the reasons for the increase in mental illnesses in Turkey.

Genetic and biological predispositions are important

Today, depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common problems for which antidepressants are used. It is not right to evaluate daily temporary emotional changes as depression and anxiety disorders and to use medication based on hearsay. Treatment of mental illnesses should definitely be evaluated by experts, and a personalized treatment should be planned by an expert, taking into account genetic and biological predispositions. On the other hand, those who feel helpless about their psychological state may want to overcome this situation by using alcohol or substances. These approaches, which create a false sense of well-being, make the symptoms worse.

Early diagnosis and treatments bring the individual back to life

In many countries of the world and in our country, ‘stigmatization’ (stigmatization and isolation from society) regarding mental problems can cause hesitations in applying to psychiatry clinics and delay treatment. Therefore, psychiatric disorders should be handled with the same care and follow-up as physical illnesses. In addition to reducing triggering factors, developing a positive perspective on the environment in the field of mental health also increases social awareness regarding receiving psychological support. Early diagnosis and treatment facilitate the prevention of functional loss, progression of the disorder, risky behaviors and the individual’s regaining their social role.