Editor,
Every year when we celebrate the 10th of October as the World Mental health day, it reminds us about the significance of mental well-being, since the definition of good health is not confined only to a good physique, mental fitness is equally important for living a good life and maintaining an overall balance . Just as physical exercise is necessary for keeping the body fit and working, freeing the mind from overwhelming emotional stress is also vital for rejuvenating the inner spirit. Because no matter how physically strong a person may be, if he is depressed and emotionally broken from inside, he can never perform his job well. Our focusing ability depends substantially on our mental well-being. Just as physical injury or a disease can reduce our concentrating power and deprive us from achieving our goals, mental stress too can bring our performance down. There can be many factors which can wreck mental health. Examination stress, deadlines and targets , financial losses, excessive social media use, death of a dear one or living away from the family are the common causes that often lead to anxiety and emotional breakdown . Factors troubling one’s mental health may be the same, but their severity may vary from person to person, depending on the age and situation. Medical science is continuously dealing with mental health issues through medications, therapies and counselling , but problems arise when the individuals hesitate to speak out their sufferings due to fear of getting judged or facing stigma. Because it is difficult to recognize the symptoms of mental illness or anxiety within a person on its own, unless things reach an extreme stage. A person may look fit and fine from the outside appearance, but might be dealing with a storm in his mind. Sometimes it happens, that a person who has spoken to us nicely just a few days ago, is heard of commiting suicide suddenly. The reason for taking such a drastic step may not be something immediate, but can be a long inner battle to which he has yielded at last. Often such incidents happen when one tries to tackle the mental issues in isolation, without consulting with anyone.
So there is a great requirement of awareness programs regarding mental well-being in the schools, societies and health centers for encouraging the people for proper counselling. Apart from medications and psychiatrist help, other things like traveling, hanging out with friends, watching movies, listening to songs or even reading a book can render a great help in dealing with stress and anxiety. Speaking about the problem may not solve it immediately, but can provide a sense of relief. An expert opinion can help in identifying the emotional triggers and correcting the behavioral patterns. After all, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a mature step towards mental well-being.
Kabir Ahmed Saikia
Rajabari, Jorhat
Assam
