Pain! You Made Me A, You Made Me A Believer, Believer!

India's struggles to address mental health issues.

“Awhh! My head hurts.”

“It's my fault. I'm worthless.”

“I don't want to do anything.”

“Everyone’s against me.”

“I’m tired of always feeling like crap.”

These are the few potential grounds of people who has mental illness.

Namaste.

In India, while 20% of our population suffers from a mental illness, only 10-12% of them seek aid for their mental health concerns. The staggering figures, however, are millions directly, or indirectly impacted by the mental health challenge. This growing challenge in dealing with mental health issues is further compounded by a lack of information and awareness, self-diagnosis and stigma.

“A person may express a feeling to hurt or kill oneself. This feeling could mean the person is suicidal and urgent help is needed.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, with every rise in infection and fresh wave, mental health problems have increased. The mental health impact of the pandemic has arguably been higher than the episodes of physical illnesses.

Grounds of certain stressors that can trigger illness in a person who is susceptible to mental health issues:

• Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect.

• Experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.

• Social disadvantages, poverty or debt.

• Bereavement.

• Severe or long-term stress.

• Having a long-term physical health condition.

• Unemployment or losing your job.

• Drug and alcohol misuse.

• Domestic violence, Sexual abuse, bullying or other abuse as an adult.

• Significant trauma as an adult, being involved in a serious incident in which you feared for your life, or being the victim of a violent crime.

Listing out early signs which people should look out for mental hazards and can instantly reach out for assistance.

• Constant fear and worry on health, financial situation, or other issues.

• Prolonged feeling of being unhappy or losing interest in activities.

• Sudden and dramatic emotional outbursts or mood swings.

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Worsening of chronic health problems.

• Unforeseen panic/anxiety attacks at night.

According to WHO, every one in seven individuals suffer from some form of mental health issue in India. Therefore, addressing the lack of awareness, accessibility, and infrastructure associated with mental health is the need of the hour.

Take Care Of Your Body. Healthy body, healthy mind! Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, incorporate light workouts each day. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.

Get Off The Grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant e-mails, alerts, and other interruptions. Go outside for a walk or spend some fun time with the loved ones. Unplugging your phone for a night every week and reading a book will stimulate your brain. Journaling is another good option that really helps one to relax. It's the time to unwind yourself!

Keep In Touch. Engaging in regular conversations with your family, friends, colleagues and expressing your feelings as it helps to address struggles, support each other emotionally.

Reach Out. In times of distress and emotional struggles, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional or your support system. Acknowledging distress helps in dealing with it in a better way. Mental health is a science, which should not be neglected and should be given utmost importance than any other physical illnesses one experiences.

In order to build a society where everyone is able to get the support that they require, we need to raise awareness about mental health concerns and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Lemme know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!

Jai Hind.