The World Federation of Neurology (WFN), the world’s representative organization for mental disorders, and six other global mental associations, this year’s World Brain Day theme is “Preventing Mental Disorders: Awareness, Early Diagnosis, It is possible only with effective and timely help, this is the protection of our future.
There is no population-level national survey regarding mental disorders in Pakistan, based on which the final data on mental disorders can be provided. In the light of the available data from the investigations conducted in hospitals across Pakistan, it has been found that more or less five lakh people die annually due to stroke alone.
According to a study, the rate of epilepsy in Pakistan is one percent of the population, according to this calculation, 2.5 million people are suffering from epilepsy in the country. Headache is also a common mental disorder in Pakistan, with a conservative estimate of over two and a half million people suffering from migraine (migraine) alone. Millions of people are also affected by mental infectious diseases such as meningitis or measles.
The proportion of these mental disorders is increasing in Pakistan with each passing day, while the expenditure on medical facilities and treatment is not stopping. The available medical facilities, the burden of diagnostic tests and medicines and the economic situation of the majority of the people, there is a dire need for government resources to be spent on disease prevention measures and awareness at the national level, this is the only way As a result, it can help reduce the incidence of mental disorders. World Brain Day is celebrated on July 22 every year. This year marks the 11th World Brain Day, which was first observed in 2014.
The main idea of 2024 is to spread the message globally that for mental health, preventive measures should be taken before mental disorders occur so that these diseases can be reduced as much as possible. In this regard, the role of World Federation of Neurology (WFN) is very important, under the auspices of which necessary steps are being taken. In addition, the active participation of the World Health Organization (WHO) further accelerates this year’s campaign.
The World Health Organization, under an integrated plan called the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP), focuses on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, an effort to raise awareness of mental disorders globally. doing. All the notable neurological disorders actually affect the human life practically, due to which the affairs of daily life are affected. As a result, economic, social and economic problems occur. Thus, disorders like stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s (memory disease), meningitis and epilepsy affect human health globally and also cause economic and social problems.
Encouragingly, the causes of these diseases are largely preventable through concerted efforts of awareness, outreach and education. In particular, stroke can be prevented by 90%, dementia (ie, memory loss) by 40%, and diseases such as epilepsy by 30%. By taking effective preventive measures for migraine (migraine), other types of headache and brain infections, the rate of their progression can be reduced to a reasonable extent.
Medical professionals and the conscious community should play their part in making this campaign of the World Federation of Neurology and World Health Organization a success. Prevention of mental diseases refers to the promotion of healthy activities and lifestyles in order to reduce the proportion of human disorders. In this regard, prevention of diseases involves coordinated and continuous efforts to avoid diseases from the society as a whole to the individual level. There is a need to work in the context of primary and secondary prevention to reduce the impact of diseases and their associated risk factors.
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention refers to focusing on preventing diseases before they start. Primary prevention efforts should emphasize awareness of health factors to prevent diseases in society. For this, taking into account the socio-economic factors, measures to promote healthy activities will need to be carried out at all levels. The most important step in this is the practical change of attitudes to reform the society and stay healthy. Providing information about medical risks resulting from diseases with preventive measures, implementing improvement measures at the community level, offering nutrition and food supplements, promoting oral and dental hygiene, and children , including providing health care services such as immunizations for adults and the elderly.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary prevention emphasizes early or early detection of disease to increase positive health outcomes. This includes evidence-based screening programs to detect disease and prevent birth defects. As well as administering proven effective anti-inflammatory drug treatments in the early stages of the disease. World Brain Day 2024 serves as a concerted effort to prioritize and protect mental health globally. By spreading awareness, promoting cooperation, and advocating for prevention, we can collectively pave the way for a healthier future for all.
Five key points:
(1) Mental Health and Prevention: Early detection and effective management of mental disorders can significantly reduce their progression rate. Early detection measures for diseases can reduce the burden of these diseases on the society and significantly reduce the burden of morbidity of these diseases.
(2) Awareness: Awareness about mental health is not only a national but also a global need for all sections of the society through simple language.
(3) Access: Socio-economic status or geographical location should not be a barrier to the prevention of mental disorders.
(4) Collaboration: Health care professionals, researchers, and policy makers play an important role in addressing the global mental and neurological crisis.
(5) Education and Advocacy: Recognition of mental health as a basic human right is central to our mission.
How is it possible to achieve mental health?
What are the important, simple and basic points by adopting which we can not only bring about a positive change in our society, but can significantly reduce mental and other disorders. By following the following simple practices, people can be successful in staying safe from diseases. Prevention is the key to mental health. Take the necessary steps to prevent cognitive, stress and memory loss and prioritize better brain health, including:
Regular exercise
Physical exercise leads to better blood flow to the brain, which results in the growth of brain cells and improves human brain capacity and understanding.
* Stay socially connected
The more socially effective a person is, the better the human brain will function. Friends, relatives, loved ones stay connected. Maintain a social connection. It is essential for emotional well-being and a healthy mind.
Complete abstinence from intoxicants
Any kind of smoking, use of mawa, gutka etc. is harmful for brain cells, also alcohol consumption is also cause of human cognitive problems, so not using these items is good for mental health.
Reduction in stress
Practicing different methods to relax the mind and body gives a refreshing effect to the mind. These include taking small amounts of time on a daily basis to practice deep breathing, meditation or yoga. This will reduce stress as stress has negative effects on mental health and leads to many disorders.
Head protection
Effective head protection is essential during any type of riding or playing. Therefore, it is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bike and seat belt while driving a car to prevent brain/head injury in case of an unfortunate accident.
Proper use of water
It is important to consume adequate amounts of water or water-based products throughout the day (recommended from morning to 7 pm) and engage in mental activities that are refreshing and refreshing.
Prioritize sleep
Getting at least seven to nine hours of restful sleep a night is essential for a healthy mind. A good night’s sleep not only helps to eliminate brain clutter but also helps improve human memory.
A balanced diet
Balanced, standard and simple food habits are very important to avoid mental disorders. Untimely eating and drinking, consumption of chicken and unbalanced products are harmful for human body including mental health. So use simple and balanced foods that include seasonal vegetables and fruits. In addition, grains, meat, poultry, fish and essential fats should be consumed in limited quantities.
(President of Pakistan Stroke Society, Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik is serving in a medical institution in Karachi, he is also a member of Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA).)
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