Time To Stop Underrating Mental Health

Can any one among us claim to have perfect mental health?

On hearing terms like obsessive compulsive traits, adjustment disorder, excessive grief reaction, sleep disorders, anxiety or panic attacks, sexual problems, alcohol and drug abuse or post-traumatic stress, 99 percent of those reading this may be able to attribute themselves as having experienced a few of these if not most of these, at some point in their lives.

So can we finally say mental health is the most underrated aspect of our lives which we should probably be paying more attention to? It is the essence of our being. You are not just what you are thinking but you are what you are feeling too.

All of us have an innate personality at birth with multiple genetic influences over which we have no control over. In addition to that, right from childhood, we are influenced by the environment we grow up in, how our parents, teachers and other caregivers treat us, our social interaction with our peers, so on and so forth.

So when we are actively trying to identify modifiable risk factors for the various diseases and trying to abate them, isn’t it equally important we pay attention to mental health which has such a diverse causative profile that contributes to its disruption?

We live in a society where going to a psychiatrist is reserved for fully blown out psychiatric disorders or in cases where you are a threat to yourself or the society. But is it not necessary for us to be practical about addressing our unresolved issues? Because end of the day, your career, your family, your health and well being of those around you ultimately depends on you being the best version of you. 

It is okay to seek help when you know you need it. In fact you must.

It is observed that different people cope with equivalent amounts of stress differently and this is mostly due to their varying support systems. Having an understanding spouse or parents, supportive friends or even having a pet to share your time with are not things to be taken for granted. Because when you need a person to talk to, even a random person who cares enough can be better than not talking about it. The reverse applies to the toxic people in your life who add to the stress and trauma and they need to be dealt with accordingly.

For those of us who were able to overcome our problems, without lengthy hospital sessions, medications or therapy and pride on it, we definitely need to take a step back and recognize and acknowledge the people and activities that was part of the healing process that helped us to tide over and cope.

For all those out there who are struggling, you are definitely not alone. There are billions like you out there and there are people who can and are willing to help you. You just have to reach out.

Till next time.