Mental health is a topic that has attracted much needed attention in the past couple of years. The social stigma revolving mental health is slowly coming off, but there is still a long way to go. World mental health day is celebrated on the 10th of October every year to educate the world on the importance of mental health and the social stigma surrounding it. It has become incredibly important in this fast growing and challenging world for one to take care of one’s mental health to make sure we are taking measures to ensure our happiness and peace. Kerala Insider, this Mental Health Day, spoke with mental health specialists to educate and inform our readers about the several aspects of mental health and how crucial it is to keep it in check!
Mental health is often looked down upon by society. There are so many instances in our country wherein mental health diseases are seen as embarrassing or not as serious as physical illnesses. The social stigma surrounding mental health diseases has been in discussion for a long time and with the collective efforts of many bodies we have over time made a positive impact.
Over the years the outlook of people have changed tremendously with a lot of people taking help from a qualified mental health professional as their first point of contact after illness. This is a positive change by cumulative contribution of all professionals and media. It’s only the awareness among masses that did the trick. And that is the way to go. Social media does play an important role too
Dr Zoheb Raj, MD, Consultant Psychiatrist at BEAU Aesthetica Soul Clinic
Dr. Zoheb Raj deals with both adult and child psychiatry as well as with people suffering from personality disorders.
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the isolation of many people out of the necessity of keeping them safe from the virus. This has resulted in the deterioration of many people’s mental health. Social distancing and online work schedule is taking a toll on students and the working class alike. There are ways in which we can tackle this. Dr. Thasneem Nizar
Interact with people and at the same time use the time to read self help books and undergo self reflection
Dr Manju Ananthakrishnan Nair
Dr Manju Ananthakrishnan Nair believes that having more open conversations in the family and giving members the opportunity to express themselves in a nonjudgmental platform can greatly benefit one’s mental health. Rose Mary Antony is a Psychologist that uses Cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy as forms of therapies with her patients. When asked the ways in which we can tackle the mental health difficulties we experience as an effect of the pandemic, she says
Self care activities are very important here. Meditation, exercise, other activities which can offer relaxations can be implemented. Qualitative time with family members. Fixing time limit for on screen activities. Practice Spiritual activities.
Rose Mary Antony, Psychologist
How do we recognize early symptoms of mental health issues with someone? This is a question we ask ourselves very often with the intention of wanting to help the people around us and understand the early red flags of mental health issues.
The early signs and symptoms of mental health problems depends on the specific illness, an individual ‘s circumstances, and other environmental factors. These problems will often influence an individual’s feelings, perceptions, and behaviors.
Mr. Midhun Vinayan, Wellness Counselor
Mr. Midhun Vinayan deals with individuals with Study Habits Issues, Children’s Behavioral Problems, Anger, Grief, Gender Identity Issues, Addictions, Migraine, Specific Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sleep Disorders, Hypertension, Diabetes Type 2, Thyroid Problems, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Obesity, Improving Sports/Arts Performance and Pain Management. Rose Mary Antony, psychologist gives us 5 symptoms that we can watch out for;
5 warning signs of a mental illness
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
- Extremely high and low moods.
- Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.
- Social withdrawal.
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.
There are people around us that are fighting mental health problems. Dr. Thasneem Nizar says the best way of supporting those who are suffering from mental health issues is by being with them, talking to them and providing sufficient mental and medical support
It is always best to consult a professional when you feel mentally unwell and unhappy for a stretched amount of time. It is high time we take mental health seriously and give it more importance. We should make an effort to educate ourselves and others about the relevance of mental health today and how it is crucial to our wellbeing.