Rapidly increasing mental disorders are a major threat to global health, and their risk is increasing with time. Recent studies have found that even those below 15 years of age are becoming its victims. Lifestyle-dietary disturbances are considered to be the main cause of these disorders, some environmental and social circumstances may also increase the risks. Health experts advise all people to make continuous efforts to keep their minds healthy.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October to remove social stigma around mental health problems and educate people about ways to keep the mind healthy.
In a recent study conducted on the risks of mental health, researchers have made a big claim. The team of health experts said that although anyone can become a victim of mental health disorders, the risk of these diseases may be higher in the highly educated class. Let us know what could be the reasons for this.
Increasing risk among highly educated people
In this study conducted in England, researchers studied to understand mental health risks in groups with different social, education and economic status. The research found that young people in England with higher education were at higher risk of depression and stress than less educated populations.
In a research paper published in The Lancet Public Health, scientists said that the risk of mental health is increasing among the youth of the country. A study conducted to understand the reasons for this has revealed surprising things.
What did the study find?
Stress and anxiety problems were assessed among graduates and non-graduates up to the age of 25 years. The study included 4,832 youth born between 1989-90 and 6,128 participants born in 1998-99. Of these, most of those who developed mental health disorders over time were highly educated. The researchers found that socioeconomic status, parental education, and alcohol consumption could potentially be contributing factors.
What do researchers say?
Dr Gemma Lewis (UCL Psychiatry), lead author of the study, says: “In recent years in the UK we have seen an increase in mental health problems among young people. Based on our findings, we cannot say why some students are at higher risk for depression and anxiety than their peers, but it may be related to academic or financial pressures. This is the first study to look at increased mental health risks among students.
Study Conclusion
Researchers say that perhaps one reason for the over-reporting of cases may be that people with higher education groups go to doctors for help with stress and depression, while this rate has been lower among other people. We need to take mental health disorders more seriously at the global level so that their risks can be reduced. Mental health problems can also increase physical health risks.
(PC: Freepik)
