Mental Health-A Social Stigma

 World Health Organisation defines Health ‘as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. This definition gives ample vitality to the mental well-being of a person in terms of health.

Mental health is a buzz word that crops up every now and then in the post pandemic scenario. Economic crisis, being cocooned in our house, fear and anxiety of the pandemic, all have escalated stress and anxiety in people. Many people were diagnosed with mild to severe depression and the period witnessed resultant suicides too.

But until the recent years, mental health was not a concept that was given due importance.  It is still an undermined aspect. Physical pain is far more easily conveyed than mental pain and it often goes unnoticed. People are reluctant to convey their mental status in fear of being stigmatised. People are still hesitant to seek medical help for mental health issues and often it is too late when the issue gets noticed. Sometimes even the person himself doesn’t realize that what makes him feel low and irritable all the time, is the stress that he is unable to cope with. The present work culture is ruled by stress and pressure. Those who fail to cope with the stress and work under pressure starts losing their emotional balance. Children of the current generation are less exposed to pressure of hardships of life. This makes them unfit to face the challenges in life and in turn makes them very sensitive. 

 Apparently, we might feel that the problems of stress and anxiety are specific to our time, but as we dig a little deeper, we know that humans’ constant search for contentment and peace of mind are centuries old. Understanding human mind is a topic of constant study and research. Recent years have contributed significant milestones to the betterment of mental health. The problem is that people tend to commodify their peace of mind. They tend to count on the assets they possess to add happiness to their life. They often tend to relate happiness or peace of mind to as many material wealth they could possess. For all the smart phones, luxury cars, or real estate money can buy, we still yearn for peace of mind. We fail to realise there are little things that could boost our mental health far more than material things.

Many people suffer from depression in silence. It goes unnoticed because they might seem to be very active and pleasant on the surface. But deep inside they might be suffering silently feeling irritable, having low self-esteem and a sense of worthlessness. People with bipolar disorder and other mental issues suffer a whole lifetime as it is often treated as mood swings. They undergo many episodes of extreme mood swings. The episodes may vary from high energy level, reduced sleep, eating less to low energy, increased sleep and eating more. The victims will lose interest in real life, may struggle to carry out daily activities and feel low motivation. Some of them even end their life unable to battle with these symptoms. We, the community to be empathetic towards all those who are suffering. Advice would never help them. Instead give them assistance in seeking medical help and above all lend them your ears. There are a lot of myths connected to mental health. As we talk more about it, it may help reduce the social stigma it surrounds.

To all those suffering deep inside, pushing those feelings to the back of your brain, the bottom of your heart, bring it to light, talk to someone. Never lose hope; It’s easier said than practised but  we cannot let every storm knock us around.

Ms. Sabina 

Assistant Professor of English 

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor 

Perinthalmanna