MENTAL HEALTH IN THE HOME

It has been a minute and a half, so let me welcome you to this column once again. Isn’t it interesting to note that mental health is being spoken of in a better light? Years ago, the approach to mental health issue was a major reason many people did not speak up about their issues. First, let’s talk about health.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a “state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” While mental health is defined as a “state of well-being in which every individual realises his/her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community.” I very much like this definition because most people think mental ill-health cannot happen to them as it is ‘particular to a race, sphere of influence, socio-economic status etc.’ Truth is, the regular average Joe has at one point in time fallen short of that definition. How then does physiotherapy come in?

“Exercise has also shown to improve quality of life and the self-esteem of people going through one form of mental ill-health or the other. “

Physios are trained movement specialists that use activity in the line of management of several conditions including mental ill-health. Research has shown that people who suffer from depression and schizophrenia are less likely to stop exercising when supervised by a physiotherapist. It is interesting because the demand for skilled services is high and yet this area is underutilised. Exercise has also shown to improve quality of life and the self-esteem of people going through one form of mental ill-health or the other. Did you know that people already going through a physical illness can be depressed?

Evidence shows that about 20% of people living with osteoarthritis have anxiety issues as well as depression, while 30% of stroke patients have depression and a whopping 38% of people with frailty, majorly, the elderly are depressed. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to family and friends who have chronic illnesses. Ideally, psychotherapy should be done alongside other remedies used to care for these physical illnesses. So, what can be done? As earlier mentioned, it is important to find a trained physical therapist to map out an exercise regime in the treatment and management of a mental health disorder. Also, important to note is the choice of seeking out a community of support, even better is a community of support with shared interests. And finally, getting that physical activity and or exercise we love and sticking to it.

In conclusion, mental health stigmas should be removed completely, giving room for expression and a safe place to seek help. Physiotherapists play a huge yet under-explored role in the management of mental health issues. A safe community of shared interests can be sought out and family and friends should never be left alone to go through this ordeal. Check up on yourself too.

Till next time,

Opeyemi Bakre.

Opeyemi Bakre is the Director of Services at Pro-Health Community Physiotherapy. A for-profit health and wellness organisation that aims to improve the quality of life through health promotion, education and awareness, and physiotherapy. They pride themselves on being fun while working to achieve desired goals.

www.communityphysio.com.ng
[email protected]
07013752996