There is an unfair disparity in the way we treat our physical and mental health. We look for tangible symptoms while diagnosing a person\u2019s illness, but often ignore the intangible, yet real symptoms. Anxiety, loss of appetite, panic attacks, depressive episodes, \u201crebellious\u201d phase and insomnia – these are some common symptoms of deteriorating mental health quietly swept under the rug. Mental health has been stigmatized in our society – even though the development of character depends on a healthy functioning brain. World Mental Health Awareness Week aims to break the chains of stigma around mental health and encourages people to seek professional treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The digital era plays a big role in shaping the minds of our generation. Children have started relying on the internet from a very young age, and seem to learn quickly. While social media and its analogs have benefitted us in more ways than we can count, it has also taken control of our emotions. Here is a list of reasons causing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and suicidal tendencies in teenagers, young adults and adults alike:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to protect yourself from the negative side of social media. Online frauds and other similar deceptions lead to numerous suicides and chronically harm a person\u2019s mental health. The key is to balance your time and investment in social media, as well as filter out what is not good. With the growing need and consumption of online marketing, it is necessary to educate yourself and those younger to you about the importance of moderation and control in maintaining a healthy mental state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On this World Mental Health Day (10th<\/sup> October 2019), the WHO is focussing on suicide prevention. According to their reports, one person commits suicide at an alarming rate every 40 seconds.1 <\/sup>This is a statistic that should be pushing people to do better as individuals. It is high time to include mental health as a compulsory topic in schools and colleges. Students should be taught about: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Counseling by mental health professionals should be encouraged. Additionally, seminars and workshops should be conducted, helping students learn more about mental health and its management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These reforms are needed not only in schools but also in workplaces. The stressful environment of an office is a contributing factor to poor mental health. Efforts should be made to increase the productivity of employees without costing their mental health. It is also important to initiate conversations about mental health in our households. This will aid in erasing the stigma surrounding this topic, allowing us to seek help if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We need to remember – It is okay not to be okay. We are allowed to be tired, sad, irritated and alone without being shamed for it. Our generation has more awareness as well as tools to eradicate the stigma around mental health, and it is our moral responsibility to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This Mental Health Week, step out and spread the word. Together, we can be <\/em>the change we want to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n REFERENCE: <\/strong>
World Mental Health Day 2019: Focus on suicide prevention. https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/events\/detail\/2019\/10\/10\/default-calendar\/world-mental-health-day-2019-focus-on-suicide-prevention<\/a>. As accessed on 11 October 2019. <\/p>\n\r\n