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Groups affected by Mental Health Issues

As acknowledged by the authoritative definition provided by the World Health Organization, "mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development"
Moreover, according to this international organization, "[about] 13% of the global population is living with mental disorders, [including] a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others". In concordance with other recent researches, the WHO article highlights several causes triggering this phenomenon: apart from the traditional attributed causes (such as economic downturns, social inequality, environmental and biological factors), public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic have aggravated the situation  by exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions and starting new ones.  It is believed that, as an aftermath, COVID-19 has had profound, lasting impacts on many individuals, increasing isolationism and loneliness among groups of every age range.
As a contributing factor to these trends, the role of the digitalization of society has also been considered. As proposed in studies such as Digital Communication and Its Effects on Mental Health, carried by Dolly Srivastav, this phenomenon has led to a decrease in real-life social interactions and a more fast-paced way of life regarding communication and information. The constant connectivity and immediacy of digital communication can result in cognitive overload, stress, and anxiety, as individuals feel compelled to remain constantly available and responsive.

In this sense, this group still fits within the standards of minority groups, which is why this issue has typically been over-stigmatized and tabooed. However, recent studies show a growing trend in the number of people affected by this type of issue, indicating that if these dynamics continue, this group may cease to be a minority in the not-so-distant future.For instance, a comprehensive study published in 2023 found that nearly 50% of the global population will experience a mental health disorder by the age of 75, underscoring the widespread nature of these conditions
Even so, through social awareness and correct political and cultural decision-making, this prognosis could be prevented,. As studies such as Mental Health in a Digital World by Dan J Stein point out: “Social media has great promise to improve the understanding of mental illness in society and finally break down the stigma that surrounds it”
Hence It’s clear that mental health is not only a personal matter but a crucial part of building healthy, functioning societies. By continuing to break down stigma, push for better access to care, and encourage understanding, we can create a future where mental well-being is genuinely prioritized, and where no one feels alone in their struggle.

The next Kahoot aims to tackle the issue from a more didactic point of view. KAHOOT






Diego Fernández García

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