Its Time To Prioritize Your Mental Health Amid COVID-19: World Mental Health Day Is A Great Day To Begin With!

 

Every year on 10th October,  we observe World Mental Health Day. It aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, increase education on the topic, and effort to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health around the world.

Mental health is an essential part of our health and plays an important role in our overall well-being. Mental health includes all our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. Like our physical health, our mental health is also important at every stage of our life.

Mental health affects 13% of the world population. It is estimated that 970 million people are suffering from some kind of mental illness worldwide.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health problems have increased manifolds. It has escalated the burden of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and insomnia. The pandemic has brought challenges for all of us and has impacted the economy, livelihood, and physical and mental well-being of people worldwide.

Mental health problems are some of the most common health issues people face worldwide. However, more than half of the people with mental health illnesses avoid or delay seeking treatment, as stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness are still a major problem. Because of the fear of being treated differently or losing jobs and livelihoods, people with mental health disorders don’t seek help. Also, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about the importance of maintaining mental health. People do not talk about their feelings or accept that there is any problem, which worsens the situation. Hence, it is essential to de-stigmatize mental health issues in our societies, to such an extent that people do not shy away from seeking help, and normalize mental health issues just like physical health issues.

We all have a role in reducing the stigma of mental illness, by talking and sharing about mental health issues and showing compassion for those with mental health illnesses. It is also very important to make people understand that we all have mental health just like physical health and it is our responsibility to take charge of our mental health.

“Don’t give in to stigma. A diagnosis does not determine who you are or what you can do!”

However, it is also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness among the masses about mental health issues have increased. Now people are more aware of the significance to talk about mental health and mental illness than ever before. It is also observed that now more people speak about the importance of practicing self-care and prioritizing mental health.

In today’s time, when COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat to public health and adversely impacting the mental wellbeing of people across the globe, taking care of mental health as well as physical health has become even more important.

Finally, it is time to prioritize your mental health, and World Mental Health Day is a great day to begin with!

During this difficult time, it’s important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. It is important to take responsibility for your overall wellbeing and practice self-care. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a continuous process. It’s about regularly engaging in activities that help facilitate good mental health and mental wellness.

If you or someone related to you is struggling with mental health issues and find it difficult to manage issues, then please remember it’s okay to ask for help.

“Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” – Noam Shpancer, PhD

Help is available! Do not suffer in silence. Reach out and share your worries with us.

We are here for your help and healing.

Stay Safe and Stay Blessed!

 

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2 Comments

  • Shalini Posted October 11, 2021 3:31 am

    We’ll said! It’s time that people understand that mental health professionals don’t just talk but are equipped with tools and strategies that can actually help people in distress. Keep writing!

  • yourcounsellingcorner Posted October 13, 2021 3:41 pm

    Thanks, Dr.Shalini! Yes, you said it right, it is very much needed that people should understand that mental health professionals are there for help and support and have strategies and tools to help people in distress.

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