Mental health highlighted
Today, October 10, the world acknowledges World Mental Health day.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2015/10/mentalhealth.jpg)
The day is aimed at creating public awareness to make issues related to mental health a global priority.
Efforts are also aimed at attracting investment support to improve treatment of mental health conditions.
Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterised by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.
Examples are schizophrenia, depression, mental retardation and disorders due to drug abuse. Most of these disorders can be successfully treated.
Facts about mental health:
About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.
War and other major disaster such as trauma incidents contribute to the causes of mental health disorders.
Mental disorders are one of the most well-known and treatable causes of suicide.
Discrimination against families and people with mental disorders prevents people from seeking mental healthcare.
There are huge numbers of reports on violation of human rights to people with mental disabilities across the globe.