I am writing an open letter to *reflect upon* our inability to contribute to acknowledging mental health in the form of holding a conversation.
Going through the day, there is constant news incoming of worsening situations; death tolls increasing minute by minute, incomplete care, strained and heart-broken caregivers, failing of healthcare support, running out of efficient resources and an incompetent system.
The point of blaming nowhere seems valid as those who care are helping to the full extent, coming forward in various forms — providing food, oxygen cylinders, injections and medications.
How they are arranging for others’ convenience are efforts to be credited. And did you notice all humanitarian work done is without numerous training of capacity building?
I am not denying or devaluing their importance. What I am mentioning is If faced with stressful situations, humans do react and act. Such situations move individuals to come together and make the community go through.
*But when it comes to communicating, we still feel a bulk in our throat to put out — how are you feeling? *
Is it judgement, ego or fear? Well, the answer is unbelievable :
- The unacceptability of changes in emotions:
Denying the fact that what is being felt is being overwhelmed or disturbed by circumstances. That not only affects us consciously but unconsciously too. And the other person can understand that something is not okay with you.
- Unable to act or say in a situation like this:
“What can I do If they are not ready to be positive or keep themselves busy in recreational activities as suggested?” A common reply you as an observer give to avoid taking responsibility.
It is not because somewhere in the back of your mind you don’t want to sit with them and talk, but either you don’t know what to say, or you feel whether the person really wants your help. Because “Aaj kal toh sab critical hote hai! Ya kisi ki help bhi karo toh koi samajhta nahi hai.”
- Too much positivity overloading is also a problem:
Just because “YOLO” and “Good Vibes Only” trends, it doesn’t mean you stop acknowledging the negative. Haven’t you heard about Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum?
To realise the good, you ought to feel negative. The realistic value happens then. So see, a balance between situations and emotions is necessary.
*Learn First Aid in Mental Health: A capacity building program to educate common masses to be able to help others in psychological emergencies such as the present times.
You want, I can help. I am a provider for the same; having done training in NIMHANS, Bangalore, I have facilitated the program and progress for so many to come forward and help as peers and first aiders in the situations like these.
Message me or write an email at jigyasapsychology@gmail.com. A nominal charge of ₹500 for services and certification and a small group. We are ready to get going!*
- Seek professional help:
If you really are down with emotions, whether it’s a constant worry about the future or need to control things constantly or feel hopeless and worthless or struggling to perform in studies or work from home scenarios, see a psychologist or a counsellor. Start with the basic help and whatever the need, they’ll refer accordingly.
For your reference, you can take your first with me. To book an appointment, write to me at jigyasapsychology@gmail.com
- Use free webinars and support groups cautiously and resourcefully:
Fulfil your rights — Ask Ask Ask — Questions, Queries, Methods.
Share healthy messages, music, quotes, feelings, feedback’s, messages. Simple forwards won’t do justice here. Understand, it’s a two-way process. *I Contribute, You Contribute – Healthy Capacity-Building Community.*
I hope this helps.
A hand is extended to help, catch it or leave it is your will.
By Jigyasa Tandon
About the author: Jigyasa Tandon is a Teacher, Youth Mentor, Researcher, Certified HR, NLP Practitioner, Writer, Poet, Trainer, Social Activist, Mental Health Advocate, Counselling Psychologist (Experienced to manage Sensitive Groups), Mental Health Educationist, NIMHANS, Bangalore.
She has laid the foundation of PSY-FI: For a Healthy Mind, an organisation that is vocal for mental health education, resource building, capacity-building, mental health first aid and counselling services.
You can write to her at jigyasapsychology@gmail.com if you are facing mental strain, stress, the grief of a lost one, self-harm, Class 12th study material and other workshops you want to participate in or conduct at your organisation.
She is currently running three peer support groups for lawyers, students, and teachers to facilitate mental health through the Covid-19 pandemic.