It is pivotal to care and nurture your own mental health. (Image: Shutterstock)
The battle against mental health stigma in India is a multifaceted one and it is time to break the shackles of it
There is not an iota of doubt in the fact that mental health even to this day is considered a huge taboo. Most people shudder at the thought of even discussing topics surrounding mental health, let alone seeking help when needed. However, it is pivotal that we start paying more and more heed to a topic as important as mental health- it might not come to a lot of people naturally but it is time everybody made that effort and took a step towards inclusion and understanding.
Ms. Dinika Anand, Mental Health And Behavioural Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry Department, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, says, “To address the pervasive stigma associated with mental health and mental health disorders, it’s crucial to recognize the shame that often accompanies the idea of struggling with one’s mental well-being. Guilt is typically linked to specific actions or mistakes, allowing room for redemption or correction. In contrast, shame is a more encompassing emotion that affects self-esteem, identity, and self-concept.”
She further added, “Shame is a feeling deeply tied to our overall sense of self, causing individuals to instinctively withdraw and retreat when experiencing it. This differs from guilt, which allows for the possibility of rectification. Shame reinforces the difficulty individuals face in accepting that their struggles, regardless of how common they may be (such as job loss, grief, or relationship endings), are genuine and valid. It may explain why as a society and as individuals, we tend to avoid acknowledging or addressing signs of distress signs of distress when we observe them in others.”
It’s important to address the stigma surrounding mental health by examining how we trivialize or overlook its significance. This can include cracking jokes, making comments, sharing memes, and having preconceived notions. Systemic changes are necessary to promote discussions about emotions, feelings, and life challenges, just as we do about physical ailments like backaches and headaches. It’s also possible that some physical problems could be symptoms of underlying mental health issues that often go unaddressed.
Dr. Rajiv Aggarwal, MMB India Leader (Digital Healthcare Strategy & Partnerships) Marsh India, stated, “Our definition of well-being is no longer limited to physical wellness, as more and more people recognise the importance of mental well-being and talk about their own mental health concerns with their families and communities. It is thus imperative that we encourage a sensitive and empathetic approach to talking about mental health, which is deeply personal and easily inhibited by a fear of rejection. This can be countered with efforts to break the taboo around talking about mental health. Organisations inculcating a culture of openness and creating a safe space for their employees to talk about mental health issues, as well as thought leaders promoting awareness, will go a long way in destigmatizing mental health and helping those in need seek support.”
Dr. Rajiv Aggarwal also emphasised, “The Indian government has enacted policies and programmes designed to raise mental health awareness and increase the accessibility of services for people suffering from mental health issues. In 2022, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Tele-MANAS helpline. Since its initiation, it has received over 3.4 lakh ‘free helpline’ calls, more so those between 18 and 45 years of age.”
He went on to emphasise how an increasing number of individuals are utilising personalised care platforms due to their ease of access and discretion. These platforms offer a crucial opportunity for people to interact with specialists who possess a deep understanding of Indian cultural nuances. As corporations become more conscious of the significance of mental wellness, they are joining hands with these personalised care providers to offer aid to their employees. Such initiatives not only help in dealing with mental health issues but also create a positive image of the working environment and improve productivity.
The stigma surrounding mental health is rooted in the misguided belief that showing emotions is a sign of weakness and that the right approach is to suppress them to avoid disruption. This belief is flawed and problematic. Progress will be made in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health when we engage in conversations that challenge the idea that expressing emotions equates to weakness, whether it’s in schools, homes, social gatherings, or the workplace.
