Credit : Anna Tarazevich |
In recent years when talking about mental health, Serious efforts have been picked up in the global scenario; there is no question India too does not exempt herself from such issues. Thereby, despite increasing awareness about mental health issues; Indian society fights along plenty of stigmas and fallacies and multiple resource-less problems. Awareness about mental health, of course, is crucial to create more sensitive nurturing spaces that aid well-established better mental wellness levels and their growth at an individual's level and within any community.
Understanding of Mental Health
Mental health refers to feelings, thoughts, and how people act. It determines how they handle stressors, relate to other people, and make decisions that impact their lives. "Mental health is the summation of emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral wellbeing, which enable one to cope with stressors that arise from everyday life events constructively, work productively as well as contribute to the goals of their communities" based on WHO. In India, mental illness is not diagnosed or treated, and a series of negative consequences ensue.
Stigma of Mental Health
The biggest obstacle to addressing mental health in India is the stigma associated with mental illness. Most people fear being branded "crazy" or "weak." This stigma is due to cultural beliefs and misconceptions about mental health. According to a study conducted by the Indian Psychiatry Society, close to 90% of those afflicted with mental illness suffer from stigma that drives them away from getting themselves treated (Gupta et al., 2019).
Popular media often portrays a negative stereotype of mental illness, which makes it tough for people to openly share their struggles. The efforts of mental health awareness programs have to fight such stereotypes through the promotion of actual information and personal stories of recovery, which encourages a better attitude among society.
Role of Education and Awareness Programs
Education initiatives for promotion will require involvement not only of schools and colleges but also of the workplace, and students will need to learn these subjects and how to identify any symptoms, as well as understand why they must ask for help. Initiatives in mental health will further demolish stigma and set a culture of support among the population.
There have been numerous organizations, like the Mental Health Foundation of India and Vandrevala Foundation, actively working towards this cause by organizing workshops, seminars, and campaigns to help de-mystify mental health issues. This not only opens up enlightened minds but equips every individual with the right tool for supporting friends and family.
Resources
The access of mental health resources is not enhanced in India. Even so, the number of mental health practitioners remains scant in the country. It is at around 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 population (WHO, 2021). Waiting periods long for therapy as well as treatment compound the mental health crisis with this shortage.
Improvement in mental health services nationwide is planned through government initiatives such as the National Mental Health Programme, though such programs are heavily reliant on public awareness and a cooperative community. Access to mental health care could bridge gaps in service delivery: with telemedicine options, coverage is enhanced, especially into rural and underserved areas.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown bright light onto the awareness of mental health. Lockdowns, social isolation, and economic uncertainty have led to anxiety and depression levels increasing among the Indian population. As per the **Institute of Mental Health**, a survey reflected that 50% of respondents stated that there has been a reduction in their mental health because of the pandemic (NIMHANS, 2020).
This
situation requires a stronger mental health framework that will cater to the
needs of people during such crises. Mental health awareness campaigns in the
aftermath of and during the pandemic should be aimed at providing support,
promoting community support, and facilitating discussions about mental health.
Building a Supportive Environment
The government, non-profits, educational institutions, and communities can collaborate to create a conducive environment for mental health. These entities can come together to build a culture of acceptance and understanding. Families are also essential in this process; open communication about mental health can reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Introduce mental health programs at work with the intention of equipping them with the needed resources, support, and training on how to detect mental health issues. Organizations that care for employees are responsible for creating an environment that is empathetic and supportive, which contributes to better productivity and satisfaction on the job.
Conclusion
Mental
health awareness is of great importance to Indian society. We could make the
support environment around a person better by fighting stigma, upgrading
education, and increasing access to mental health services. The greater the
awareness, the brighter the hope for a day when mental health is viewed as
important as physical health, and so on and so forth. A healthier, happier
society can be anticipated.
References:
Stigma and discrimination towards mental illness in India: a systematic review
WHO - Mental Health Atlas 2020.
- National Institute of NIMHANS 2020 - Mental health and the impact of COVID-19.
It
is really important to promote awareness related to mental health in developing
Indian society, and coordinated efforts should be taken such that mental
well-being becomes a natural part of health.
it was true !>.<!
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