In recent times, experts across the globe have been
emphasizing the importance of mental health as part of
our holistic well-being. The need to destigmatize seeking
help has been highlighted and strides have been made in
the right direction. However, this is all far from enough.
It is unfortunate that the focus shifts to mental health only
when we hear of a life lost to it. Social media is abuzz with
anecdotes and messages of positivity stressing that help is
at hand. Sadly, we live in a world where mental illness is
seen as a sign of weakness, a subject that is best left
untouched.
When actor Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide, his
battle with depression gained very little attention as
against his alleged substance abuse. Actress Deepika
Padukone’s admission of struggling with depression has
received mixed reactions. International celebrity Kanye
West is rarely understood for his Bipolar Disorder.
Despite efforts to create awareness about mental wellbeing,
suicide was a leading cause of lockdown deaths this
year, attributed to depression from isolation, fear of
infection, etc..
The question remains – what makes seeking help so
difficult? According to experts, the stigma and subsequent
discrimination from such a diagnosis is a primary reason.
Distrust in medical assistance and significant lack of
awareness result in avoidance of seeking help as well.
What can we do then? If you feel helpless, uninterested in
most things, fatigued or anxious frequently, have massive
unexplained mood swings, are irritable or, in extreme
cases, have suicidal thoughts, consider professional
guidance. While having loved ones look out for these
indications and assist in your recovery is necessary, the
onus ultimately lies on you. Know your worth, learn to
love yourself. The rest will fall in place.
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