Mental Health, on which even having a conversation made us iffy, has in the recent years been in the limelight in the recent years, and rightly so. We have started opening up to ideas, started sharing stories and have found ourselves discovering that one, this issue is prevalent in the society and two, for whatever we are going through, there is always someone who has gone through the same journey. But is merely being open to listen to stories enough. Do we know anything about mental health at all?
A sub-optimal mental health stops one from leading a life with purpose. Getting out of bed seems a mammoth task, going out and having fun is something you believe you don’t deserve. And you find them perfectly normal in front of a social backdrop. How many times have we heard people use the phrase “but he was doing just fine” for people who have decided to take their own lives? Mental health goes beyond the physical appearance. It takes a lot of time for a person to admit that he or she needs help and perhaps even longer to actually go to an expert. Even with all the talks mental health still remains stigmatized. W have to understand that a person’s current state of mind does not define a person and internalize the fact that mental health, as physical health, is a continuum and extends over a period of time. We understand that it would make no sense to say that someone is “physically ill,” but throw around the word “mentally ill” carelessly. Like we go to a physician when we have a fever, we must seek a psychologist when we struggle with mental health.
There is a common trend when a famous person dies or comes out saying that he or she battled with poor mental health. The social media feeds are filled with condolences and promises that you will always have someone to hear you out. This is just not superficial but also may not be possible. Hearing someone out maybe very different from being able to help. People must start reaching out to specialists.
What can we do? Just be Human. Use that empathy. Make sure you smile at people, make sure you help out people in distress, and at least try that you are not the reason why someone loses their peace of mind. Wouldn’t then be the world a better place for everyone.
#inclusivity #acceptance #iimtrichy #PRISM_IIMT
