“Mental Health” is an extensive area to be covered in just one article, as it ranges from minuscule overthinking to every day suicide thoughts – both being evidentially wrenching for an individual.
Before we begin, for everybody wondering about the ‘why’ of it, let me announce that there is no ‘WHY’ behind being mentally unstable. There has to be no particular reason why a person goes through a mind that does not comply with their existence. One could be possibly depressed without knowing why, even after having all the practical luxuries in life, the brain of an Einstein, a loving family, in short – a perfect life.
Yet, mental health caters to a lot of illnesses altogether, but sadly, is still considered a ‘taboo’ in some regions of the world for no particular reason. However, being mentally unstable/unhealthy/ill is as normal as any other illness that a person faces, and is one of the most severe conditions of illnesses.
Clinical depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia, attention deficit, schizophrenia, OCD, Autism, PTSD, are one of the most common types of mental problems that one deals with.
Study shows, 5% of adults, equalling to approximately 44 million people experience a mental disorder in a year. Half of all mental disorders begin by age 14 due to several reasons ranging from family issues, peer pressure, relationship problems, financial instability, etc.
Moving away from the statistics and coming back to mental health and the dire need to normalise it, so that more people going through it are able to find the confidence and courage to come out of their closets and talk it out without fearing rejection, ridicules, taunts, mockery, or even worse – ignorance.
In the era of ‘modernisation’, ‘advancing India’, ‘growing India’, we also need a ‘Pro Mental Health Society’, not just in India, but all around the world. To realise the fact that mental health is the MOST important and not just one of the important things, is extremely vital. It does not make us weaker, but stronger, if we let ourselves to be. It is not a taboo, it is not something to be looked down upon, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, but, in fact — something that needs our utmost attention.
With multiple start-ups taking the initiative to talk about mental health and giving people the required support, we also need to realise that it all starts from us. Charity begins at home, & so, checking out for people also begins — at home, from us.
Build, don’t break. This is something we all, as individuals, need to imbibe in ourselves if we want to create a society for each one, irrespective of their conditions. There are many, even amongst us, who deal with things like anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, panic attacks, depression and several others. You never know, your one small gesture could save a life.
1 in 4 people are/will be affected by a metal health problem in their lifetime, shows research. That’s a whooping figure of 25% of the people experiencing exhaustive pain in their mind, body, and soul, at least once in their lives. This is exactly why normalising mental health is extremely important, to make it a safe place for people to speak and express freely. Due to the so called ‘stigma’ that prevails with respect to mental disorders, many people live in denial themselves, fearing the outcomes/reactions of their family members, colleagues and friends. It makes nothing better for them but slowly ends up deteriorating their mental health even more, leading to symptoms like trouble falling asleep, concentration issues, retention problems, mood swings, a low-on-life perspective, and the list is endless. It affects a person’s personality and productivity so much so, that it almost takes away the life from their life.
The only solution to this is to talk, talk, and talk. Make people feel comfortable talking about issues, expressing their feelings, being open about their emotions. Provide them the lending ear they are looking for and the solutions, if and only if they ask for it. At times, some people are not looking for solutions, tips, or ideas but just a friend to talk to. Someone in front of whom they can be shamelessly naked about their current perspective on life, surroundings, and themselves. Most of the people are already aware about the solutions – for the concept of therapy has been increasing day by day, thankfully. All they need is someone to communicate to, and if you can be that person – consider yourself lucky!
