Mental Health Problems in Urban Setting
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: M ental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Mental health problems may increase in specific environments where social isolation and poor quality of life are prominent. In urban settings in developing countries, the risk of mental health problems or mental disorders may be higher than in rural areas. Health inequalities between rural and urban areas are considered by many investigators because urban areas have better health statistics and consume the majority of the health budget. It is important to understand the characteristics of urban environment and provide mental health services to obtain mental well-being of the people and prevent mental problems. The causes of mental problems may include genetic abnormalities, physical disorders, problems in childhood and growing up and stressful events of life. Mental illness occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other environmental factors such as poor family conditions, abuse, psychiatric disorders in family members, traumatic events, unsafe neighborhood, and pollution, uncomfortable living conditions (crime areas or war-torn regions). Social stressors such as poverty, financial pressures, racial and sexual discrimination or harassment, unemployment, isolation, and a lack of social support can also cause stress and lead to poor quality of life and mental problems or disorders. The urban setting is a specific area where risk factors of mental problems exist. The competitive life which is not usual in rural area pushes the people across their life span. Significant problematic behaviors are frequent in urban setting as the result of mental health problems for example: divorce, abuse, selfdestruction, suicide, drug abuse, crime, sexual problems and abortion,
Author: Panom Ketumarn
Language: Thai
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2154381555