Denial Of Mental Health In India

It’s all in your mind….Oh, Mental Health is an exaggerated modern concept…Disorders of the 21st century… A getaway for losers…

Haven’t we all heard this?

Start with your vicinity and count down the number of people that take mental health seriously!

The current lifestyle has become way too overwhelming with a constant pressure of efficient performance. Moreover, Stress has been unavoidable. Right from a kid facing competition daily, to young adults dealing with the dilemma of discovering themselves, to men and women meeting their ends, and the forlorn loneliness met by the elders. Consequently, Loneliness, Pressure, Abuse, Self, and Relationship Conflicts all become common encounters of our lives that give rise to what we refuse to accept as mental disorders and ill mental health.

“What mental health needs are more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Carese.

Even in this crucial age of the 21st century, it is disheartening how our homeland resides in denial of gruesome mental health. Have you ever dared to take a leave because you just didn’t have the energy to help yourself get out of bed? Certainly not! As our Indians drool over being strong, feeling low, anxious, melancholic isn’t accepted here. You are called out as “weak”, “intolerant”, “fragile”, “incompetent”, “incapable”. The mental health helplines and professionals beseech us to change, be emphatic and kind, and to understand –“Depression and Anxiety are real mental health disorders and not mere feelings of nervousness and sadness.”

Misinformation And Its Impacts On Mental Health

There have been several occasions where parents have been inconsiderate towards children who have been suicidal and have paid no heed to help them, guide them, or understand them. Even the educated have lacked the knack to imbibe the reality of mental health. They perceive it as mere excuses to get away within sturdy situations. When a person surrendered under pain posts a failure, he is often bashed with mockery than entrusting with a shoulder of support. This has solid implications for our mental health.

The way our mind works, psychology and physiology go hand in hand. The brain fails to release the hormones that reduce one’s metabolism and susceptibility. Irrespective of your age, bank balance, and profession, you are prone to witness this sinking black hole. When you do, it is nerve-racking to hear unsolicited advice and explanations of how your feelings are trivial and self-made. It is due to this, acknowledging the real existence of mental health is of Vitality.

“Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t so.” – Lemony Snicket, The Blank Book.

 One of the main reasons why there is an offbeat as to accept these sicknesses is because they have sought the limelight in the current age. There is no ground truth to the nonexistence of mental illness in the past. In spite of it, we hear our elders saying that there was no depression, anxiety, ADHD in their times. The main reason for this was the wholesome ignorance of the Indian society and social exclusion of an individual that exhibited deviance from the social norms. It was very easy for them to call someone ‘Idiot’ and ‘Insane’ on showcasing psychosis.

 What’s the real truth that you are supposed to believe?

 The study of the present times gives a back to the actuality of these issues. Thereby, gives hope of resolving them. A true acceptance of these illnesses will help us understand each other as better people. It will also inculcate a sense of responsibility and accountability for our actions. Making individuals empathetic and aware, will gradually bring massive changes in the statistics of suicide and other mental disorders.

We aren’t getting at any better place by practicing this tendency of denial.

 The Denial that Indians consume has never helped or made things simpler for the victims of these disorders. It has made them feel worse and alienated from family and friends. They enter the pit of darkness and receive no hand to hold and inevitably, give up. A little acceptance can do wonders for a person battling through horrifying experiences. As it is only the acceptance of the prevalence of Mental Health Issues that will make society a step closer in the process of fighting it out together as a community.

What can you do? 

• Learn and gain knowledge about mental disorders 
• Educate the elders and younger around you
• Don’t ignore anyone who tries to reach out to you
• Share stories of the fighters of different mental disorders
• Believe in promoting a robust mental health atmosphere 

It’s in our hands. Let’s kill the stigma and shower our support.