Can we prevent mental health problems? Or is it impossible?

Mental health and illness are often misunderstood regarding the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Sometimes, even healthcare workers doubt about certain mental health facts.

Before going into prevention, it is important to understand the risk factors for developing mental health problems and mental illness. Risks that may act as immediate precursors are a relationship breakdown, stressful life events, exposing to trauma; whereas longer-term risks include biological predisposition and adverse childhood events.

Knowing the risk factors could help in preventing mental issues. Prevention involves understanding and minimising factors which therefore improve resistance to mental health problems and suicide. Some of the preventions include:

• Provide interventions designed for each developmental stage and strengthening the coping mechanisms of the individual
• Promote healthy lifestyles including nutrition and exercise
• Increase the awareness of the importance of mental health prevention and promotion

By addressing the risk factors, we could prevent mental health problems. All we need to have is a clear idea and social-awareness on major factors causing mental health problems.