These days there has been a lot of conversation about ‘mental health’. Mental health simply refers to the well-being of our mind and all its functions. Just like we take care of our physical health and ensure our physical well-being, it is of extreme importance that we give the same amount of care, if not more to our Mental health as well.

Our mental well-being has a direct influence on our physical as well as emotional well-being. It is of vital importance that society gives enough importance to mental health problems and considers them as ‘real problems’.

Sometimes, we should just be courageous enough to realise that “it’s okay, to not be okay right now”. People often hide the mental health issues and the emotional trauma that they go through just because, deep down they get really scared as to what society will perceive of them or whether they’ll be judged for openly speaking about their issues. But we shall remember one thing, that taking care of our mental health is nothing but a form of self-love, and isn’t self-love one of our priorities?!!

Every year, World Mental Health Day is celebrated on the 10th of October. This day provides an opportunity for all the people working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what further needs to be done to make people understand the importance of it throughout the world. Even though we have a day recognized as World Mental Health Day, we must realise that every day should be celebrated as Mental Health Day and we should always be reminded of its importance, just not on one single day!

It is said that one in every eight people suffer from mental health problems. Mental health issues have also been affecting an increasing number of children and adolescents. This makes it even more crucial for us to explain what exactly mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, etc. are to the youth of our nation.

If someone suffers from mental health issues, it is important to make them feel loved and welcomed. No kind of mental health issues should be the reason to deprive them of their basic human rights. We usually see how people face brutal discrimination and are often made to feel “different” just because they’re suffering from mental health problems.

People who suffer from mental health issues often feel extremely conscious to even talk about it with other people. They often become under-confident and think that it’s only their mental illness that defines them.

Now, since we have discussed the importance of mental health, let us further discuss how to deal with or cure mental health ailments since it has a significant negative impact on our overall well-being and lifestyle. Regular physical exercises such as early morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be a significant cure for mental health problems. Moreover, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet along with enough sleep (between 7 to 9 hours). Sometimes when we overwork ourselves, it not only leads to physical damage but also significant mental exhaustion, and if this keeps on repeating we shall also have chances of being an insomniac. People dealing with mental health problems can also reach out to people like parents, friends, relatives, or anybody they trust to get some help. They may also reach out to mental health professionals or take the help of various mental health resources that are provided by various websites online. Moreover, one can also dial 111 on their mobile phones to seek help from various mental health nurses across the globe for free.

I conclude by saying that people suffering from mental health should never feel alone. They should remember that there are people out there who will definitely help them.

‘We’re in this together!’

Let’s normalize talking about mental health for a brighter, happier, and healthier tomorrow!!

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