Mental health problems should not be perceived as mere weaknesses that a person can simply overcome, as they can be highly problematic and disabling conditions and affect a large proportion of the population worldwide. Mental health issues need to be addressed and treated before they cause severe disruption to families, relationships and communities.  A psychiatrist is a physician who deals with the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of mental health and emotional problems. The psychiatrist completes four years of mandatory medical school training before specializing in the field of psychiatry.

Examples of the mental health problems psychiatrists deal with include

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Personality disorder
• Panic disorder
• Post traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.