MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: BREAKING THE SILENCE.

Even though mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, it remains a largely neglected topic, particularly in India. The complications surrounding mental health disorders, the stigma attached to them, and cultural barriers that suppress open discussion contribute to a lack of awareness and understanding related to the same. People usually don’t prefer talking about mental health freely.

I wanted to shed light on various mental health disorders on my blog for a long time, I want to create a safe space to talk about mental health freely without the fear of judgment.                                

Let us discuss the types of mental health disorders, the factors that lead to mental illness, and the urgent need to address the stigma that prevents individuals from seeking help. Mental health disorders deal with a wide range of conditions that affect our mood, thinking, and behavior.

The World Health Organization categorizes mental health disorders into different types, which include the following-

1. Anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorder results in excessive fear or the feeling of anxiousness, day to day functioning of a person can be affected because of this disorder. A few examples of anxiety disorders are Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic disorder, Phobias, Separation Anxiety disorder, and selective mutism.
2. Mood Disorders: Mental health conditions like Depression, Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2, Cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder with mixed features. These disorders significantly impact emotional well-being and this can lead to severe impairment in daily life.
3. Personality Disorder: Borderline personality disorder (BPD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), narcissistic personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCD). These disorders involve enduring behavioral patterns and inner experiences that vary from cultural expectations.
4. Psychotic Disorders: A disorder like Schizophrenia is the most well-known psychotic disorder, where individuals experience hallucinations, distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotions.
5. Eating Disorders: Conditions like Anorexia Nervosa, and bulimia involve unhealthy eating patterns which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Understanding these disorders is extremely essential as it helps in awareness, acceptance, and early diagnosis.

LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN INDIA-

The awareness of mental health disorders is alarmingly low in India, despite the prevalence of mental health issues. Many people are unaware of symptoms related to mental illness or the availability of treatments. 

Nearly 150 million Indians need mental health intervention according to the National Mental Health Survey of India (2016), the number could be much higher now compared to 2016, yet only a fraction of India’s population receives adequate care related to mental health.

FACTORS LEADING TO MENTAL ILLNESS-

It is important to understand the reasons one is affected by mental health issues.

1. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS: Genetics can play a significant role in the development of mental disorders.      
2. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Traumatic and stressful life events and social isolation can trigger mental health problems.
3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS: Poverty, unemployment, lack of education or educational facilities and opportunities can lead to increased stress and mental health challenges.                                                                             
4. CULTURAL FACTORS: Societal and cultural expectations and norms can lead to mental distress, particularly for those who feel they do not fit in the mold of expectations set by our society.                                           
5. DRUG ABUSE: Excessive alcohol consumption, and use of prohibited substances, i.e., illegal drugs can lead to physical, social, and emotional harm which may further result in severe mental health issues. People who consume such substances lose touch with reality, which again can result in poor mental health.

THE TABOO SURROUNDING MENTAL ILLNESS-

Can we just stop hushing and whispering when we are talking about mental illnesses? In Indian households talking about mental health is almost prohibited. People think talking about mental health or being diagnosed with mental disorders is a sign of weakness and shame, and they try to often bury such important topics. Family members try to conceal the mental illness of the person suffering due to the fear of societal judgment. This cultural stigma can lead to isolation and further intensify the suffering of the person affected. We need to erase the taboo associated with mental illness so that the myths regarding them can be busted. The more we try to create awareness related to mental health it will help in eradicating the belief that mental illnesses are contagious, or can be cured through positivity and willpower alone. People who lack awareness related to mental health think the absence of discipline or laziness is the issue with the person affected. They find it hard to accept that mental illness is as real as any other health problem. Due to such misconceptions, people prefer suffering in silence, they also avoid open conversations about their mental health and are reluctant to seek help.

WHY DO PEOPLE AVOID SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP?

People often avoid seeking help for mental illness. Why is visiting a psychiatrist not as simple and normal as visiting a general physician? Why do people shy away from Psychologists? People lie or avoid going to a professional for mental disorders to avoid societal judgment. Due to this pressure, they instead prefer seeking help from a family member (who of course is not an expert in this field), or they opt for traditional medicine, and when all else fails people approach spiritual healers. I am not against spirituality or traditional medicine, however, to treat mental illness one needs to seek help from Psychiatrists who are capable of diagnosing the disorder and deciding the right course of treatment for the patient. Any person who is suffering from mental illness requires treatment according to his symptoms, few may just require Counseling by a professional, and someone with more complicated issues may require both counseling and Medicines from a psychiatrist. Just like any other illness where we completely trust and rely on our doctor for the right treatment, one must do the same when it comes to their mental health. There is no shame in seeking professional help, instead, it will encourage others to be more vocal about their mental health struggles.

Another misconception regarding psychiatrists is that they are only supposed to treat people with severe mental health problems, which isn’t true. This belief delays preventive care and early intervention, which is of utmost importance for managing mental health conditions effectively.

HOW CAN WE END THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED TO MENTAL HEALTH-

• EDUCATION & AWARENESS: Every organization like Schools, Colleges, Offices, and Communities must prioritize education related to mental well-being. Campaigns by public figures and celebrities can help people understand mental health illness, when influential people raise awareness and share their struggle with mental health with others this will help cultivate understanding amongst the masses.
• ENCOURAGING OPEN CONVERSATIONS: Family, friends, and colleagues should create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences without the fear of judgment. Normalizing discussion about mental health can reduce feelings of isolation and create a safe space.
• Promoting Professional help: We must encourage people to seek help for mental health, this can be a transformative step. People who have benefited from therapy or medicines given by psychiatrists can share their testimonials, which will further help in the shift of perceptions.
• CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT POLICIES: The government should run campaigns and start initiatives to prioritize mental health. They should start a fund for mental health and introduce mental health services into primary healthcare systems.

We must put in collective efforts and raise awareness to combat stigma related to mental health. People need to recognize mental health as an essential component of overall well-being. Together we can create a more supportive and understanding society, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for those affected by mental illness. 

LET US PLEDGE TO BREAK THE SILENCE RELATED TO MENTAL ILLNESS AND TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD HEALING.

NOTE: IMAGES ARE SOURCED FROM THE INTERNET.