Introduction

Mental illness is a state of disturbance in which an individual can not realise his/her own abilities, interact negatively with others, cannot cope with the stressors of life and study, not work productively and fruitfully, and not contribute to his/her family and community. Mental illness comprised 13% of the total global burden of disease in 2000 (a figure that is expected to rise to 15% by the year 2020). Depression is the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide; representing 4.3% of total disability adjusted life years, and predicted to become the second leading cause of the global disease burden by the year 2020.

In Ethiopia, mental illness is the leading non-communicable disorder in terms of burden. The disability associated with mental illness in Ethiopia is high. Stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses are part of the daily lived experience of the mentally ill and their families in Ethiopia.

This study session, therefore, will help you to play an important role in empowering communities in relation to prevention and promotion activities by increasing awareness on mental illness, reducing stigma and discrimination on patients with mental health problems and assisting individuals in making informed decisions in relation to their mental health.