SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Mental Health Issues

 A Journey Towards Mental Well-being: Exploring Mental Health Issues through the Lens of SDG 3

Mental health concerns have become a significant global concern in today's world, affecting individuals, communities, and societies. The Sustainable Development Goal 3, good health and well-being (SDG 3) of the United Nations aspires to secure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, with a heavy emphasis on mental health. This blog delves into the complexities of mental health concerns via the perspective of SDG 3, emphasising its importance in tackling this vital part of human well-being. Hence, I will share the intricacies of mental health issues, exploring their impact and the role SDG 3 plays in addressing them.

Understanding Mental Health

A person's mental health includes their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It determines how people think, feel, and act, as well as how they deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Anxiety and depression are examples of frequent mental health difficulties, while bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are examples of severe disorders. They are frequently caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and social factors, causing significant disturbances in daily living.

The Prevalence of Mental Health Problems Worldwide

Globally, people and communities are profoundly impacted by challenges with mental health. One in four people will at some point in their lives face a mental health issue, according to the World Health Organisation. Over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression alone, and over 800,000 individuals commit suicide each year. Furthermore, mental health issues considerably increase the risk of incapacity and economic losses, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

Mental Health Issues Among University Students

Mental health issues among university students have become a growing concern in recent years. The
transition to university life can be a stressful and challenging experience, often accompanied by increased academic pressures, social adjustments, and a sense of isolation. University students frequently experience mental health problems such anxiety, sadness, and disorders related to stress. Mental health issues may arise or worsen as a result of the challenging academic atmosphere, competition, financial constraints, and absence from established support networks. Here are some key aspects to consider regarding mental health issues among university students:

1. Academic pressure: Striking for academic achievement can result in increased stress and feelings of inadequacy. The stress placed on students to do well on examinations, fulfil deadlines, and maintain high grades can have a serious negative effect on their mental health.

2. Social adjustments: Making new friends and adjusting to different social dynamics are frequent aspects of university life. Increased vulnerability to mental health problems might be attributed to loneliness, social anxiety, or trouble fitting in.

3. Financial strain: Numerous students struggle financially with things like tuition fees, housing prices, and daily living expenses. Financial strain can make mental health problems worse and make it more difficult to have access to necessary supplies or support services.

4. Limited support systems: It may be difficult for university students to find proper mental health support. Long wait times for counselling services, a lack of mental health resources, and a lack of knowledge about the range of available support choices can all be obstacles to getting treatment.

5. Lifestyle Factors: Students' mental health may be significantly impacted by unhealthy lifestyle choices such poor diet, excessive alcohol or drug use, inconsistent sleep patterns, and a lack of exercise.

Universities, faculty, staff, and students themselves must all work together in a comprehensive strategy to address mental health issues among university students. Promoting mental well-being and lowering the stigma attached to getting help can be significantly improved by programmes including mental health awareness campaigns, timely and easily accessible counselling services, academic support programmes, and creating a welcoming campus climate.

We can build an environment that supports university students' general well-being and nurtures their mental health throughout their academic journey by recognising the particular obstacles they confront and putting specific interventions into place.

Addressing The Mental Health Issues Through SDG 3

SDG 3 plays a crucial role in addressing mental health issues by focusing on promotion, prevention, and treatment. Its key aspects include:

- Awareness and education: Through community education about warning signs, symptoms, and the services that are available for support, SDG 3 seeks to increase awareness, lessen stigma, and enhance mental health literacy.

- Access to mental health services: It promotes equitable access to high-quality mental health services, their integration into systems of primary healthcare, and the reinforcement of community-based services.

- Prevention and early intervention:  SDG 3 focuses the value of fostering resilient behaviours from an early age, addressing risk factors, and promoting positive mental health to prevent and lessen the severity of mental health disorders.

- Research and policy development: In order to better understand and address the causes and consequences of mental health difficulties, it emphasises the need for research, data gathering, and policies that are founded on solid evidence.

Conclusion

Issues with mental health are a major burden for people and cultures throughout. But by focusing on SDG 3, we can move towards a time when mental health receives the consideration and funding it really deserves. We can enhance mental well-being and lessen the burden of mental health disorders by increasing awareness, enhancing access to services, and encouraging preventive measures. Let's work together, practise compassion, and create a society that values mental health.