The 10th of October is celebrated as World Mental Health Day, spreading mental health awareness and reminding us all that our mental health is of utmost importance and priority before anything else. World Federation for Mental Health established this day in 1992, an initiative to reduce stigma, increase understanding of mental health conditions, and encourage individuals and communities to take action to support mental health. The day is dedicated to discussing mental health openly, advocating for better mental health care policies, and promoting the importance of seeking help and support when it is needed.
Mental health as a universal human right:
This year’s 2023 theme revolves around understanding “mental health as a universal human right”, and recognising the relationship between mental health and quality of life. According to this, each and every citizen (regardless of their socio-economic background and identity) has a basic right to:
- Be protected from mental health risks.
- Be treated with equal respect and inclusion in the community
- Receive treatment that is accessible, available, and of good quality
WHO’s initiative to push mental health as a basic human right, accelerates the effort to understand mental well being a fundamental aspect of human life, just like food, water, shelter, and security.
How do you characterize ‘good’ mental health?
According to the WHO, mental health is a state of well-being where one is able to cope with the normal day-to-day stresses of life, is aware of their abilities, can work productively, and can contribute to the community. The absence of any mental disorders does not define mental health; rather, an individual’s mental and emotional well-being characterizes it in a positive state. The approach of the theme contributes to the similar understanding that human rights don’t only mean freedom from violence or harm, but also the freedom to lead a fulfilling life.
Our mental wellbeing is the foundation of all our activities. It intersects with aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and social participation. Protecting a person’s mental health will equip them to engage more meaningfully in society.
Current situation
Discrimination and stigma form social barriers to which individuals deviate from seeking help. The population should have access to mental health services regardless of their socioeconomic background.
According to statistics, the current population of India is 140 Crores, out of that 14 Crores i.e 10% of the population have some form of mental illness. Increasing numbers of cases of depression and anxiety prevail day by day. Many do not seek treatment due to reasons of lack of awareness, financial unavailability, and stigma associated with it. People in India still stigmatize and silence mental health treatment in the country.
Increasing awareness due to COVID (2019-2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-2020 was a period where mental health awareness grew in society as there were increasing cases of psychological distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and post-traumatic stress. People started understanding the importance and value of social involvement, going out, physical closeness, and practicing daily routine activities to keep sane. Many dealt with unresolved family conflicts and relationship dynamics while facing the challenges of staying at home. The COVID period also saw an increasing number of deaths, and families dealt with grief, stress, and trauma.
Promoting mental health awareness
Understanding early signs and symptoms of poor mental health is important to look out for yourself and dear ones nearby:
- Distancing from social circle: isolating from friends/ family
- Loss of interest in hobbies/ activities
- Significant changes in sleep: insomnia, oversleeping, disrupted sleep patterns.
- Frequent changes in mood swings
- Persistent low energy or feeling constantly drained.
- Increase in substance abuse
- Sense of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.
If any of your friends are suffering from symptoms, it is helpful to listen to them with empathy, be non-judgmental, refrain from providing any advice, and respect their privacy. It is okay to suggest they seek a mental health professional, make them aware that there are resources available to help them with their struggles.
Read More Article:
- Is our breath, food & mental health interrelated?
- How to help a Friend in a Mental health Crisis?
- The Comparison of Mental Health with Physical Health
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