In the busy pace of life, as stress builds up day by day, you often miss the signs of mental health challenges. Starting from a tough day, it grows into a tough week and month, blending work pressure with more social demands... Is the tale all too familiar?
With the ever-growing list of adversity in this fast-paced life, mental health has inadvertently taken a toll. Numerous campaigns, both online and offline, are trying to spread awareness about mental health problems like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Mental health allows you to cope with the various stressors in life and helps you learn and realise your strengths. Acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a fundamental human right, your emotional and psychological well-being are a part of mental health and can influence your thoughts and actions.
Factors like childhood abuse, traumatic events, alcohol and an unhealthy environment can be deleterious to your mental well-being. It is crucial to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses of your loved ones and offer help as and when you can. It is also necessary to identify and accept yours and seek help.
Subtle symptoms: A pall of sadness, confusion clouding thoughts, and a wavering ability to concentrate are signs of a potential struggle. Intense mood swings, withdrawal from society's fabric, depleted energy, and disrupted sleep emerge as companions to mental health disorders.
Sometimes, it transcends the psychological realm, and manifests physically as stomach aches or unexplained bodily discomfort. If left untreated, they morph into the haunting spectre of suicidal ideation, warranting immediate consultation with a mental health specialist.
Myths and facts:
Despite the plethora of information on social media, there are still some myths regarding this topic that remains taboo for a large population.
Myth: If you are smiling and seem ''happy'', you can't have a mental health condition
Fact: Not all those who live with a mental illness show apparent symptoms. You may try to look and act happy not to worry your family and friends. This does not mean you aren't struggling in your way.
Myth: If you are optimistic, you can just ''snap out of it"
Fact: When you live with a mental health problem, it is not that convenient to have a positive outlook on life. You stop feeling interested in things you used to love, and it becomes challenging even to perform daily activities. Adequate therapy and counselling may be needed to deal with this.
Myth: You only need therapy if you have no one to talk to
Fact: Therapy may help you discover the problems you've been scared to address. While it is good to have a circle of people you are close with, like family or friends, a therapist can provide a safe environment to guide you constructively.
Myth: Only women are affected by eating disorders
Fact: Most people think that eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia nervosa are only seen in females. It is said that about 10-25% of males are living with anorexia. Anyone may be affected by this disorder, and it is essential to seek help.
You can consider psychotherapy along with lifestyle modifications. The importance of a healthy diet and exercise, along with good emotional and social support has been acknowledged. Yoga, meditation, and gratitude journals have been known to help some while others turn to find newer hobbies. It is crucial to recognise which modality helps you best in dealing with mental health issues.
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