Are you insane? You overthink things. “Why are you always so worried and anxious? Relax!” These phrases may have been spoken or heard at least once in your life without your being aware of the social stigma they carry.
Mental health has traditionally been seen as a taboo topic in India because we Bhartiya are taught to repress our emotions and feelings and instead focus on appearing as normal as possible in front of other people.
In today’s world too, you may see many boys grow old with toxic and ill mentalities, while girls live in the false ‘wonder women’ bubble.
You may have observed numerous cases of depression in your day-to-day life without realizing it because we are sometimes too preoccupied with living our own lives to pay attention to the seemingly insignificant things that a person does in the early stages of depression.
To combat the stigma associated with mental health, the month of October is designated as World Mental Health Day and is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the world.
World Mental Health Day aims to advance understanding, increase awareness, and motivate actions that support and safeguard everyone’s mental health as a fundamental human right. Every year, this day offers a chance for people and communities to come together around the theme.
The World Health Organization has announced its new theme for this year: “Mental health is a universal human right.”
Our physical and mental well-being are interdependent. However, one in eight people worldwide suffers from mental health conditions, which can have an adverse effect on their physical health, general well-being, interpersonal relationships, and ability to earn a living. Teenagers and young adults are becoming more and more affected by mental health issues.
A person’s mental health should never be used as an excuse to deny them their human rights or to keep them from participating in decisions regarding their own health.
However, there are still many human rights violations that have an impact on people worldwide who have mental health issues. Many people are excluded from community life and subjected to discrimination, and many more are either unable to access the necessary mental health care or can only access care that infringes on their human rights.
Even if a person is physically healthy and appears happy on the outside, they may be experiencing internal conflict. At some point or another, we all experience anxiety, sadness, or depression, and if these emotions persist for a while, they may intensify into something more serious.
In 2017, 14.3% of the total population of India, or 197.3 million people, had mental disorders.
Although only with regard to specific illnesses has there been an increase in mental health awareness, in comparison to 2018, 96% more people reported knowing about at least one mental illness. Particularly, 77% were aware of depression, while 27% were aware of generalized anxiety disorder.
The majority of mental illnesses manifest before the age of 25, most frequently between the ages of 11 and 18.
The burden brought on by common mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, increases during childhood and peaks during adolescence and the early to middle years (10–29 years).
So, when do you believe is the best time to seek help? Here are some things you should be aware of, and if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these for an extended period of time, seek assistance from a mental health professional:
Why do we constantly use a variety of face masks, try home remedies, or go to the gym? to maintain our physical health and fitness? You need to look after your mental health just like you would your physical health.
A balance between a healthy mind and a healthy body is crucial because mental and physical health are intertwined.
Recognizing that it is acceptable to experience the vast array of emotions our minds constantly experience—including anxiety, worry, and overwhelm is the first step in breaking the taboo surrounding mental health.
It will be simpler to decide whether you can work it out with a close friend or whether you need help from a professional once you have accepted that in your mind.
To address mental health issues and increase access to mental health services, the Indian government has introduced a number of schemes and programs. The following are a few of the noteworthy initiatives:
It aimed to offer everyone access to and a fair price for mental health services when it was founded in 1982.
The program seeks to advance community-based mental health services and the integration of mental health services into the broader healthcare system.
The NMHP also emphasizes the treatment of those who have mental illnesses and the prevention of mental health issues.
Numerous initiatives are carried out under the NMHP, including the opening of mental health clinics, educating medical professionals in the field, and establishing community-based mental health initiatives.
Additionally, the program offers free medication to those with mental illnesses who cannot afford medication.
Was founded in 1996 with the goal of providing district-level mental health services. The program focuses on integrating mental health services into primary care, with the goal of increasing access to mental health services in rural and remote areas.
The DMHP establishes district-level mental health teams comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
At the primary care level, the teams provide mental health services such as diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. In addition, the program emphasizes community-based mental health promotion and prevention activities.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a premier mental health institution in India, established in 1925.
The institute is dedicated to the treatment and research of mental health and neurological disorders.
Outpatient and inpatient care, rehabilitation services, and research activities are among the services provided.
The institute also provides training and education programs in mental health and neuroscience.
Is a national initiative that was started in 2014 with the intention of enhancing the health and well-being of adolescents in India.
The program focuses on a number of topics, such as nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.
The establishment of adolescent-friendly health clinics, educating medical professionals on adolescent health, and raising awareness of mental health issues among teenagers are just a few of the activities carried out under the RKSK.
Teens with mental health issues can also receive counseling and support from the program.
Is a key initiative of the Indian government that was started in 2018 with the goal of giving everyone access to full primary healthcare services.
By 2022, the program hopes to have established 150,000 health and wellness centres across the nation.
In accordance with the AB-HWC program, primary healthcare facilities offer mental health services.
The program offers counselling and support services to those who are suffering from mental illness and places a strong emphasis on the prevention and early detection of mental health issues.
6. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan–
A self-reliance initiative designed to support India’s economic development was launched in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on people’s mental health are another major topic of the program.
Several programs have been launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to promote mental health and offer assistance to people who are suffering from mental illness.
The provision of telemedicine services for mental health, the creation of helplines for mental health support, and the raising of awareness of mental health issues through social media and other channels are a few examples of these.
I hope I have added more knowledge to your mind in a world full of suggestions. There are people around you who can give you solutions. Please trust yourself and the people who stand by you. I wish you a healthy World Mental Health Day!!!
