Why is the topic of mental health still considered taboo in most parts of India? Why do some Indians think of people with mental health illnesses as “weak” or “unfit”? What does this say about us as a country? It's time for us to stand up for those who need help with their mental health.
“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.” - Bill Clinton
Introduction
Mental Health is a worldwide concern and India is not an exception. People suffer from a lot of unspoken struggles.
In India, we can see major improvements in the health industry but when it comes to mental health, it's forbidden. These mental health issues can start at 14 or at any other older age. The causes for adolescent mental health problems can be from family expectations and stress to chemical imbalance in the brain. It has been observed that suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among the late adolescent age groups(18 to 24) in India according to Indian National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
"The mind is a powerful instrument, every thought, every emotion that you create changes the very chemistry of your body." - Sadhguru
It is extremely important to create awareness among the youth and adults about our mind and how our mind works so that they can recognise that they are suffering sooner and the more we spread awareness the more people can learn to deal with it in a healthy way.
Potential Causes for Mental Illness
There are a lot of risk factors that can cause mental illnesses, it's not just one risk factor. Some of the main factors are genetics, the stressful environment we live in, childhood trauma, negative thoughts, drugs and alcohol usage, brain chemistry and more.
Now let's get into details:
1) Genetics
Recent research shows that a person's genetic makeup can affect their mental well-being. At times our mental illnesses can be passed down from generation to generation.
2) Stressful Environment
Poverty, weather, stressful work place, poor support, being in a toxic relationship are some of the examples in this category. And this sounds like things that happen in India a lot. The places where you spend most of your time can have a big impact on you mental well-being. So be careful about who and where you spend your time.
3) Childhood Trauma
Any moment that are scary, dangerous or violent and can causes a threat to the physical safety, well-being, or bodily integrity of a child is considered as child abuse which becomes childhood trauma later. Traumatic incidents can include abuse of any kind, physical illness, bullying, domestic violence be it watching or experiencing, natural calamities, child neglect and death of loved ones. We can say for a fact that child sexual abuse, physics abuse , emotional abuse, domestic violence happens very often in our country. These experiences mentioned above can cause PTSD in most cases. Childhood trauma can cause severe psychological issues if left unprocessed. Symptoms can be seen in childhood even from early stages of the trauma. This can cause a serious impact on the person's self confidence, self work, self image and can change them in every aspect of life.
4) Negative Thoughts
This is so obvious, you can guess by the title itself. Negative thoughts, negative self talk and overthinking have the potential to completely destroy you present and future.
5) Drugs and Alcohol Usage
Using alcohol and drugs for a regularly can result in addiction which inturn changes into a problem. They won't be able control their mind. There are evidences that prove that drugs can cause mental Illness. Usage of drugs and alcohol can also cause psychosis at times.
6) Brain Chemistry
Psychological illnesses due to brain chemistry is caused because of neurotransmission. It is caused due to low levels of serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin. This can be treated with medication and at times you need counselling too.
“Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain but you are not the rain." - Matt Haig
Common Mental Health Problems in India
Common Illnesses
- Depression
- Anxiety/ Phobias
- Eating Disorders
- Stress
Severe Illnesses
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder (Manic depression)
- Clinical depression
- Suicidal tendency
- Personality disorder
Some of the common symptoms for mental illnesses are Feeling sad or down, Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate, Excessive fears or worries or extreme feelings of guilt, Extreme mood changes of highs and lows, Withdrawal from friends and activities, Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping, Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations, Inability to cope with daily problems or stress, Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people, Problems with alcohol or drug use, Major changes in eating habits, Sex drive changes, Excessive anger, hostility or violence, Suicidal thinking
Treatment
The treatment depends on the type and severity of the mental illness. Treatments can include medications, psychotherapy, brain-stimulation treatments, hospital and residential treatment programs, and participating in your own care. It's completely ok to ask for help. You can do it.
Spread Awareness Among Indians
Many psychological issues are left unseen because most of the people don't know about the symptoms and the disease. So in my opinion it's important for us to take one day a month in schools and colleges to prioritise mental health by teaching them about psychology and how to take care of their mental health.
Another great way to spread awareness is through social media. Sharing positive thoughts and talking about the symptoms, illness and cure can be very helpful.
“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health." - Michael Conway
Conclusion
In summary, you should not neglect your emotions even though everyone around is asking you to. We as a society should bring the topic of mental health out of taboos. We should talk about it openly. The basics of this topic is mentioned above and we as a community should bring awareness to each and every corner of India.
Stop calling self-care as selfish. Stop calling people suffering from their mental health crazy.
“Mental health is not a taboo, it's okay to seek help.” - Aditi Mittal
. . .
References: