Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. Despite its importance, it is often overlooked or stigmatised. The challenge is to overcome the obstacles it creates in seeking help. “World Mental Health Day” is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues and the need for increased efforts to support mental well-being. While countries like the US, Ukraine, and Portugal have higher per capita rates, India ranks among the highest in total cases. ~15 % of Indians are living with the challenge of coping with mental health issues. Ancient Indian scriptures provide profound insights into mental health. Several spiritual gurus have made significant contributions to mental health and emotional well-being, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices. Observation of “World Mental Health Day” is an opportunity to talk about mental health and the importance of speaking out when struggling with a mental health issue.
Elevate Yourself Through the Power of Your Mind, and Not Degrade Yourself,
For the Mind Can Be the Friend and Also The Enemy of the Self.
Bhagavad Gita
A few years back, the world was in shock when Deepika Padukone, a very successful actress and heartthrob of many, shared about her battle with depression. When the Isha Foundation launched the Miracle of Mind app, it reached 1 million downloads within 15 hours, setting a record-breaking start. Tele-MANAS, a national tele-mental health initiative offering free counselling, received over 24 lakh calls in the two years since its launch. The numbers reflect society’s need for tools to support mental health. Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and behave, and also influences how they manage stress, interact with others, and make decisions. “World Mental Health Day” is observed every year on October 10, a global initiative that raises awareness of mental health issues and the need for greater efforts to support mental well-being. The first observation took place in 1992 as part of the World Federation for Mental Health’s annual activities.
Mental Health Begins Within
Despite its importance, mental health is often overlooked or stigmatised. The challenge is to overcome the obstacles it creates in seeking help. Anyone, anywhere, can be affected. An estimate from the WHO puts that close to one billion people have a mental disorder. It is the fourth leading cause of death for young people. 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health condition. Young people face rising mental health challenges due to social media, academic pressure, and post-pandemic stress. Women are disproportionately affected, especially by anxiety and depression. Â
Mental Health Is Not Just the Absence of Illness.
While countries like the US, Ukraine, and Portugal have higher per capita rates, India ranks among the highest in total cases. ~15 % of Indians are estimated to be living with one or more mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Lack of awareness, social stigma, shortage of trained professionals and cost and accessibility barriers are making it challenging to address the mental health issues. Programmes like the Indian government’s National Mental Health Programme focus on integrating mental health into primary healthcare. Some individuals may be born with or predisposed to mental health conditions due to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. At different stages of life, people are getting into mental health issues for various avoidable reasons. Chronic stress, trauma and loss, substance abuse, poor lifestyle habits, excessive screen time, and social media comparisons impact mental health. Â
If You Create the Right Kind of Atmosphere Within You And Around You,
Existence Will Respond to You In a Wonderful Way.
Sadhguru
Ancient Indian scriptures provide profound insights into mental health. Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s yoga sutras have long emphasised mental discipline, emotional balance, and self-awareness as keys to mental health. Several spiritual gurus in India have made significant contributions to mental health and emotional well-being, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices. Sadhguru emphasises that mental health is not just about external circumstances but about how we manage our inner environment—thoughts, emotions, and energy. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, developed Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Rajyoga meditation by the Brahma Kumaris, which has helped millions, and Sister BK Shivani’s “Awakening with Brahma Kumaris” are among the well-watched programmes. Baba Ramdev popularised yoga and Ayurveda as tools for physical and mental health, and there is “Heartfulness meditation”, guided by Daaji(Kamlesh D. Patel).
As Dr Dan Millan said, “You do not have to control your thoughts. You have to stop letting them control you.” Mental health is a universal human right. On World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a world where mental well-being is nurtured, stigma is eliminated, and help is always within reach. Observation of “World Mental Health Day” is an opportunity to talk about mental health and the importance of speaking out when struggling with a mental health issue.
Toons: Reema
Logs: Sai Baba
ToonLogs
Toonlogs posted earlier on this topic can be accessed at:
https://niascomm.in/2021/10/10/world-mental-health-day/
