Opinion | World Mental Health Day

Sound mental health is crucial for the growth of a nation. As we witness growth and development in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, it is clear that peace plays a vital role in fostering mental well-being. This, in turn, directly or indirectly impacts our overall growth and progress. Kashmir is currently experiencing both mental and physical growth across all sectors.

Each year on the 10th of October, the global community celebrates World Mental Health Day, a day to acknowledge the presence of mental health problems and advocate for coping measures in the society. The inner self is also important as the body and this is one aspect that seems to be given little attention. The day is a valuable reminder of how important mental health is to each person, family, and society as a whole. Investing in mental health can enhance positive mood and, in turn, overall physical health, as the two domains are intertwined.

Mental health refers to the overall wellbeing of an individual encompassing his or her ideas, emotions, and actions. Among them, stress regulation, interpersonal relationships, and the decision-making process are some significant aspects. What people need to learn is that mental health is not merely living without a mental disease; it is actually having balance in the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of life.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are examples of the severe forms of mental ailment that a person can suffer from due to poor health of the mind. Looking at family relationships in particular, it can be stated that mental health is a factor that impacts all members of a family. It is a common fact that families can prove to be the greatest support to one who has mental illness but caregivers also face problems as they are burdened emotionally, physically, and financially. It is also important to note that seeing a person go through mental health issues can also be physically and psychologically straining for family members. These mental disorders may also interfere with familial relationships and proper communication within the family unit. In some cases, the person experiencing mental disorder remains aloof or acts in a paradoxical way, and therefore, conflicts within the family arise. Long-term consequences include anxiety, depression, or difficulties with emotional regulation among mothers that have an impact on children raised by her. The best approach to ensure that the effects on children are less severe in the long-run is to intervene early and encourage people to talk about it.

Moreover, it is crucial to enhance the mental health of caregivers, who are taking the role of caring in the families and other institutions of society like schools, hostels. There is also the real possibility of caregiver burnout, given the requirement of the caregiver role, which involves psychological and physical work. It is important for caregivers to understand when they are getting overwhelmed and thus when to seek help in the form of counselling, relief care or help from other relatives/friends.

Mental health is indeed one of the most crucial areas of concern on a global level. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that millions of people experience mental health disorders, yet many are not cared for as they should. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, has caused higher rates of anxiety and depression, further highlighting the need for mental health interventions. Sadly, mental health services remain under-resourced in many contexts, and individuals’ fears of stigmatisation deter them from seeking care.

Policy makers, communities and all stakeholders need to embrace the barriers that prevent people from receiving appropriate mental health care. Therefore, schools, workplaces, and public health organisations should take initiatives towards ensuring that they teach the general public on the issues of mental health and also support those in need. Healthcare activists believe that proper funding of the mental health programs and eradication of the stigmatisation of the mentally ill can help foster a society where the affected individuals and families can thrive. Thus, in the protection of World Mental Health Day, the stigma surrounding mental health should be addressed, and the improvement of mental health services should be advocated. Through the discussion of the cases, getting professional help and focusing on the importance of mental health, families can ensure that they foster healthy and strong environments. Mental health is a concern for all, and fixing everyone means having more right and happy families in the future.

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