Mental Health Case Study

Introduction

Mental health is created by our interactions with people and events in the world around us. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO, 2001).

One of the most traumatic events that may face individuals in their life is the war and conflict. These represent dangerous crises and disasters encountered by nations and people in general, and include extreme aggressive events in the form of violence, economic failure, social disturbance, and high mortality rates (Samia & Shaheen, 2013).

The people located in an area exposed to war and conflict suffers from the bad consequences in their health, economy and social diminution. Among the complications of war and conflict, impacts on the mental health of the general population are the most significance. Studies demonstrate a definite increase in the incidence and prevalence of mental defects among people who expose to war and conflict (Srinivasa & Rashmi, 2006). The psychological complications are well reported and are commonly persistent. Among the main manifestations are depression, anxiety, irritability, emotional instability, social instability, cognitive disturbance, and behavioural disturbance (Srinivasa & Rashmi, 2006).

The importance that the WHO attributes to dealing with the psychological traumas of war was demonstrated by the resolution of the World Health Assembly in May 2005, which urged member states “to strengthen action to protect children from and in armed conflict” and the resolution of the WHO Executive Board...

... middle of paper ...

...e them with their basic needs, social support, and good screening. Furthermore, it is important to develop rehabilitation programmes with highly educated professions to provide the population with good coping strategies and re-involvement in society. In addition, the media should play an intensive role during and after wartime in developing programmes that help people to adapt and return to their own life.

A number of issues have emerged from the literature on the prevalence and pattern of mental health effects of war and conflict. Further studies about the effect on the mental health status of different groups of the population, such as people with physical disabilities, already mentally ill patients, and people with chronic illness, are recommended.

Acknowledgement

This article is supported by Alfarabi College for Dentistry and Nursing in Alryiadh, Saudi Arabia.