Mental Health and its Gravity

By: Anshruta Goel

What is mental health? How do we improve our mental well-being?

What is mental stigma? How do we overcome it and change our behavior?

Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine. Some simple ways to reduce our mental stress are:

• Exercise (being one of the most important things you can do to combat stress)

• Spending quality time with friends and family

• Thinking positive

• Reducing intake of caffeine

Stigma is when people view a person in a negative way because of a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that is thought to be a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs towards people who have a mental health condition lead to worsening the situation.

Awareness regarding mental health and stigma is a critical need for our society today, considering the increased stress, work-life imbalance, lowering of relationship quotients and health concerns amidst an unprecedented global pandemic.

Countering mental health stigma has to be a collective effort; only then will it have a substantial impact in our society. Countering this stigma is relatively simple and all it needs is mindfulness on our part. We need to stop ostracizing or mocking people who display courage to bring up their issues. We need to talk openly about mental health and educate ourselves and others. Be conscious of language, gestures & tonality while choosing empowerment over shame.