Health isn’t just about what you eat or the physical pain you feel, it is also about what you think, what goes on in your mind and the pain caused by that.
We tend to forget that mental well-being is just as important as physical well-being.
What Really Is Mental Health?
This is a state of well being where the individual realises his own potential, copes with stress, works productively, fruitfully and contributes to the community.
According to current updates, one in four adults are affected from mental illness. Global disease burden is 13% and depression is one of the top conditions that people suffer from worldwide. 150 million adults in India are suffering from mental illness. (Factual Source -SSS psychaitry,Dr Mohan Sunil Kumar)
Why Is Mental Health Crucial?
I have seen many patients compromising their quality of life due to their mental illness.
It impacts the way we feel, think and act, making it important in every area of our lives. Mental health leads to the loss of productive years which can also create an economic burden. It also causes premature death due to suicide and substance abuse.
The present state of mental health globally is very alarming indeed. Mental illness can happen to anyone, yet it is still considered a stigma and no one wants to talk about it. There is a deadly taboo associated with it which makes the condition worse – leading to more undiagnosed cases, suffering and even loss of lives.
Why Is Mental Health Illness Still A Taboo?
We tend to forget that mental well-being is just as important as physical well-being. And that an illness of the mind is as much an ailment as an illness of the body.
The survivors should be proud of themselves; families and society in general should be considerate and should try and motivate them to seek professional help. Mental health education, given that this is one of the most common diseases to be affecting individuals around the world, should be discussed openly, giving patients and their family members the opportunity to share.
What If You Are Suffering From Mental Illness?
“It is okay to feel unstable, it’s okay to disassociate, it’s okay to need help.”
There will be times when one will feel unbearable pain. Learn to recognize when that happens. Know when a storm is brewing inside you. Try and find an objective distance from it and let it pass. Be aware of your symptoms, accept that it can happen to anyone and talk about it fearlessly to your close ones. It is our responsibility to care, support and seek professional help for the affected person as soon as possible.
Lets realize the importance of mental health Make your mental health a priorty.
Dr Anushree Lavania