Of late, we as a society have taken steps to raise awareness about mental health in India. And there are many instances where we can see, first-hand, the positive effects of these efforts.
However, there is still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding the subject of mental health. So what is mental health or ill-health?
Here’s a guide to understanding the basics of mental health.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health consists of our state of mind, our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health can impact how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we manage stress, our behaviour, our relationships with others, and all the other choices we make in our lives.
What is a Mental Illness?
Mental illness is a condition that interferes with a person’s thinking, emotions, or behaviour that reflects a problem in the functioning of the mind. Just like physical illness is a term used to describe a wide range of physical health problems, the term ‘mental illness’ also covers a variety of mental health conditions. Some of the more common conditions are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
But, Aren’t Mental Illnesses Rare And Dangerous?
Certain types of mental illnesses can be rare and dangerous. However, that is the case with more severe illnesses, and even those can be managed with proper care.
The fact of the matter is that mental illnesses are much more common than you might think. A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that 7.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of mental disorder. People with mental health conditions are everywhere, but the conversations about these issues are few and far between.
Which is why many people are reluctant to open up about their mental health. In certain cases, people themselves might be entirely unaware of the fact that they are suffering from a mental illness. Thus, it is important to increase awareness and educate people about mental health.
Can I Prevent A Mental Illness?
When it comes to our physical health, staying fit and eating healthy can decrease your chances of contracting a disease. In the same way, taking care of our mental health can make us more resilient and to a certain degree, prevent mental health conditions.
Being mentally healthy means we are well equipped to manage stress and deal with anything that life throws at us. We can take measures to improve by paying attention to ourselves, our needs and engaging in self-care practices to enhance our emotional wellbeing. These practices can improve our state of mind and keep existing mental health conditions in check, as well as prevent the onset of a mental illness.
However, not all mental health conditions can be prevented as they can be genetic, can be caused due to prenatal damage, or due to uncontrollable circumstances.
Can Mental Illnesses Be Treated?
Absolutely! Mental illnesses can be treated via medication, cognitive or behavioural therapies and by engaging in various self-care practices and routines. If you are suffering from a mental health condition, it is important to seek help from a professional. Even though it may not be visible, mental health is real and deserves as much attention as physical health.
I Want To Learn More About Mental Health. Where Do I Start?
Start by patting yourself on the back. Mental health is a wide topic with a lot to learn about and wanting to educate yourself is a commendable decision as it equips you to better understand and care for yourself and others. You can begin your journey by reading up on, and researching mental health, or listening to a word of advice from experts, or attending some seminars and sessions to educate yourself on various aspects of mental health.