Introduction
Despite growing awareness about the importance of mental health, it remains a taboo topic in many families, workplaces, and schools.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that over 1 billion people worldwide face some form of mental health issue.
Mental Health in Mexico
In Mexico, 3 out of every 10 people experience some form of mental disorder, such as anxiety and depression, throughout their lives. Moreover, over 60% of those affected do not receive any treatment, according to data from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
Currently, more than 3.6 million Mexicans suffer from depression, and nearly 19% report severe anxiety.
Seeking Help
In an interview with El Economista, Maureen Terán, a writer and founder of the organization Es Tiempo de Hablar, emphasizes that acknowledging a mental health issue is challenging but crucial for improving one’s quality of life.
According to Terán, experiencing periods of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness is normal and does not equate to a psychiatric diagnosis. However, it becomes problematic when these emotional states cause dysfunction in one’s environment, leading to work issues, family conflicts, or difficulty enjoying activities.
If you notice that staying calm in your daily life is a struggle, causing conflicts with friends, family, or colleagues, it’s essential to acknowledge that something is wrong and seek help from a psychiatrist or specialist.
Bipolar Disorder
Terán shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 in 2007. This condition typically emerges between the ages of 18 and 30, with symptoms including prolonged periods of sleep deprivation and altered behavior.
“I became like a 4-year-old child, without filters, exhibiting compulsive shopping and believing in superpowers. Gradually, I lost touch with reality to the point where I endangered myself. My psychiatrist would tell me, ‘You won’t die from the illness, but you could accidentally harm yourself.’”
“People often resist acknowledging a problem, insisting it’s temporary. It took me seven years to accept my condition, enduring multiple crises and hospitalizations during that time. Only then did I realize that psychiatric hospitals aren’t as frightening as movies portray them to be.”
Terán explains that since she began treating her condition, she has remained stable, with only two relapses in the past 12 years. She highlights that acceptance of treatment is key to managing mental health issues, as she spent 30 years resisting treatment before seeing significant improvement in her life.
Terán stresses that fear of rejection or discrimination prevents many from seeking help, delaying diagnoses, limiting treatments, and increasing the emotional and social burden on families.
Breaking this cycle requires education, openness, and empathy, with institutions, businesses, and community spaces playing a vital role in promoting well-being programs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What percentage of Mexicans face mental disorders? Approximately 30% of the Mexican population experiences some form of mental disorder, such as anxiety and depression.
- Why is it important to acknowledge mental health issues? Recognizing and addressing mental health concerns is crucial for improving one’s quality of life and preventing dysfunction in personal and professional environments.
- What is bipolar disorder, and what are its symptoms? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of sleep deprivation and altered behavior. Maureen Terán was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1.
- Why is seeking help for mental health issues challenging? Fear of rejection, discrimination, or stigma often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need, leading to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.
- How can communities support mental health? Institutions, businesses, and community spaces should prioritize mental health education and promote well-being programs to foster understanding, acceptance, and support.
