“Senior Health Matters: Tackling the Top 13 Common Health Challenges”

In 2019, a lot of people, around 40 million, had bipolar disorder (1). Bipolar disorder makes people feel very sad and sometimes very happy or irritable. It's like a see-saw of emotions. When they are sad, it feels like a heavy cloud over them, and they may not enjoy things they used to. When they are super happy, they have lots of energy and might talk a lot, have racing thoughts, or do risky things.

People with bipolar disorder can sometimes feel so bad that they think about hurting themselves. But there are ways to help them feel better. They can learn about their condition (psychoeducation), try to lower stress, and work on their relationships with others. There are also medicines that can help them have more stable moods. Even though it can be tough, there's hope and help for people with bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia is a challenging condition that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide, which is about 1 in every 300 individuals (1). Sadly, those living with schizophrenia tend to have a shorter life expectancy, typically 10 to 20 years less than the general population (4).Schizophrenia is characterized by significant changes in how people perceive the world and behave. People with this condition may experience persistent delusions, which are false beliefs, or hallucinations, where they hear or see things that aren't real. Their thoughts can become disorganized and confusing, leading to highly disorganized behavior or extreme restlessness and agitation.Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia often struggle with their cognitive functioning, which includes things like memory and problem-solving. However, it's essential to know that there are effective treatments available. Medications can help manage symptoms, and psychoeducation provides valuable information and coping strategies. Involving families in the treatment process through interventions can be incredibly supportive. Additionally, psychosocial rehabilitation programs offer vital assistance in daily life. Despite the challenges, there is hope and help for individuals living with schizophrenia.

The burden has decreased since 1990. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the enduring effects of war and violence, has placed a heightened emphasis on the importance of addressing mental health concerns. It's crucial to understand how these recent events have influenced the prevalence and impact of mental disorders, especially in the years following 2022. In light of these evolving challenges, countries are tasked with adapting and enhancing their mental health responses to effectively meet the needs of their populations and alleviate the growing burden on mental health systems.