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Mental Wellbeing: Let’s Talk about It

Posted By : Administrator Monday 10 Oct, 2016
Mental Wellbeing: Let’s Talk about It

Written by Sonali Patnaik

10th October has been observed as World Mental Health Day every year since 1993 and is an initiative by the WHO. In the age of extremely rapid information exchange across the world, it seems ironic that we as a society are still hesitant to talk about anything remotely related with mental wellbeing.

Be it somebody at home, in the extended family, at work, among friends or an acquaintance who has some kind of mental condition, a stoic silence, gossip in hushed tones or a ‘not-for-me-shrug’ are common responses. The moment anybody suffers a bout of depression, suicidal thoughts or any other form of ‘irregular’ behaviour, the person herself/ himself and the family start slipping into withdrawal and isolation, followed by a lonely journey of silent suffering. The more severe the condition, the more the ostracising and poor support from people around.

In the late 1960’s, scientists coined a term called ‘Drift Hypothesis’1. It emerged from a study that found a direct link between a person’s mental ill health and them being sucked into a downward whirlpool of failures, inability to cope with challenges, diminished support from kinship, financial losses and poverty, which ultimately relegated them to the margins of society. Most surprising of all, these observations were almost uniform across societies and countries. 

Close family members are also affected by the responsibility of chronic care, which can lead them to the breaking point, both emotionally and financially. Job losses, family break-ups, divorces, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, cardiac problems, etc., are common in such situations.

World Mental Health Day brings into focus the silver linings behind these apparent dark clouds. Mental wellbeing is gradually occupying a larger chunk of discourse under various names, such as stress management, life-skill enhancement, positive thinking, rationale–emotive–behavioural training, brain mapping and emotional Intelligence.

Based on rigorous studies in India and the Western world, it has been established beyond doubt that anybody in mental distress and agony can be greatly helped by strong emotional and social support from family and friends. Before things become unmanageable and life threatening in some situations, close friends and relatives can help by providing emotional support and nudging the sufferer to seek professional help from counsellors/doctors and other volunteering agencies. The chances of recovery and effective management for the sufferer are greatly improved if close kin stand by them instead of distancing themselves.

Modern day social fragmentation, shrinking of family size and stress further heighten the importance of awareness about good mental wellbeing. Knowing more about symptoms such as excessive stress, tension, prolonged low moods and sadness, poor sleep and appetite, lack of freshness, excess fatigue, hopelessness, worthlessness or noticeable anger, aggression, suspicion, irritability, hostility beyond reasonable boundaries are very helpful in preventing or containing damage. 

Taking care of oneself, adapting to healthier stress-busting habits and lifestyles and not relying on alcohol and nicotine all contribute to personal mental wellbeing. Talking about it, clarifying doubts and fears about disturbing symptoms and extending a friendly hand to anybody who appears distressed is the key to social inclusion and de-demonization of mental ill health.

So let’s start talking about our mental wellbeing. Open up about your own problems and/or reach out to anyone around you who is suffering in silence and in fear of being left out. Help them seek help. 

Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Ms. Sonali is a member of our network. Click here to reach out to her or call +91 9911775626.

About the Author

Ms. Sonali Patnaik is a member of our network and a Clinical Psychologist trained at prestigious institutes like Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Gujrat Forensic Science University and Jamia Milia Islamia, Ms. Sonali is an expert in the field of Work- Life Balance and Job related issues. She is associated with Tech Mahindra for over 2years where she provides counselling services to the employees and their family members. Ms. Sonali is a Trainer for Workshops and seminars and also holds experience in dealing with children with special needs. Through her clinical work she has carved a niche in the domains of Stress Management, Team Building and Performance, Work related issues and Work- Life Balance.

References


1. Lapouse R., Monk M.A., Terris M. The drift hypothesis and socioeconomic differentials in Schizophrenia, American Journal of Public Health, Mental Diseases, Vol. 46, 978-986

 (The references are available online. Interested readers may request for relevant URL/electronic versions.)