Managing Minds: Top 5 Resolutions to enable a holistic Mental Health Welfare in 2024

By Dr. Gitanjali Natarajan, Chief Clinical Psychology Advisor, Niyama Digital Healthcare

 

It is common knowledge that the current scenario of mental health in India is very complex as well as dynamic, marked by both progress and challenges. Increased awareness, declining stigma, improved access to care, and supportive government initiatives are key advancements in mental healthcare. These include telemedicine services, training for primary care physicians, and community outreach programs. Yet there are some serious challenges that one cannot turn a blind eye to. Insufficiency of trained mental health professionals and unequal access with specialized care for specific mental health conditions are unavailable in rural areas. Financial constraints and unaffordability are major barriers. Mental health services are often not covered by insurance, and the cost of private care can be prohibitive. Despite progress, stigma surrounding mental illness persists in many communities, discouraging people from seeking help early enough.

The ongoing global challenges and the fast-paced nature of our lives underscores the imperative to mend our minds, fostering resilience, self-care, and positive relationships. As we have entered the new year, as a society, we should take a collective resolution of “Managing Minds”, by envisioning and taking actions to form a mentally healthy and healing society regardless of the age, culture and background one is from. Promoting holistic mental health is crucial for overall well-being and a mentally healthy society. In line with this, proposing 5 Resolutions to take up which would help us enable holistic Mental Health Welfare in 2024

• • Educate and Spread Awareness to Remove Stigma associated with Mental Illness to create a supportive environment: In India, stigma about mental health arises from a combination of social and cultural factors. Mental illness is wrongly attributed to personal weakness or supernatural causes. Societal expectations around success and resilience can create pressure to hide mental health struggles, fearing judgment or discrimination.  Lack of awareness and understanding of mental health conditions can lead to misconceptions and fear. Media portrayals can also shape public opinion. Hence inaccurate or sensationalized portrayals of mental health in media can reinforce stereotypes and stigma. Creating awareness includes providing clear and accurate information about various mental health issues, bursting myths and accepting that mental health issues are actual medical concerns that need timely supervision, empathy and support. This educational effort extends not only to individuals directly impacted by mental illness but also to the larger community.

• • Engage in Conversations around mental health on social media: Increased openness for conversations around mental health and therapy is a welcome trend that helps to reduce stigma, raise awareness and increase mental health literacy in the public domain. Social media facilitates resource sharing on coping strategies, and information about mental health services, making it easier for people to access help. Online communities and forums allow individuals to connect, share experiences, and feel supported. Additionally, celebrities and influencers sharing their mental health journeys also goes a long way in fighting stigma and encouraging common people to seek help. However, one should be mindful about the fact that social media can also spread inaccurate information, myths and unverified advice. Certain content can be triggering and potentially harmful to vulnerable people. Some individuals also tend to believe that they also have the condition and start to identify with mental illness labels. Sharing personal experiences online may raise privacy issues resulting in cyberbullying or negative comments.

• • Refrain from using serious mental health diseases as adjectives: Causal usage of mental health disorders as adjectives such as ‘OCD’, ‘depressive’ or ‘schizo’ can have several negative effects on individuals with mental health conditions. Such trivialization undermines the real challenges faced by individuals with these severe disorders. It can contribute to stigmatization and misrepresentation of mental health issues. Individuals experiencing mental health symptoms might hesitate to seek help if they believe that their condition is perceived as a trivial or common personality quirk rather than a serious medical concern. Encouraging respectful use of terms and fostering thoughtful conversations about mental health can contribute to reducing stigma and seeking appropriate treatment and management.  Trivialization of mental health issues can be addressed through promoting awareness, education, and empathy. Educational campaigns, media literacy programs, celebrating diversity and inclusiveness, use of respectful and sensitive language, encouraging seeking therapy and counselling, sensitivity training in workplaces and supporting mental health advocacy groups can go a long way in raising awareness on the importance of treating mental health with the seriousness it deserves.

• • Enhance Access to Mental Health Services: Increasing availability and accessibility of good quality, affordable mental health support is the hour’s need. With technological advancements, integrated online mental health service providers like Niyama, Wysa, YourDost etc have bridged the gap of accessibility to an extent as they facilitate mental health services anywhere, at one’s own comfort. This helps individuals in remote locations or those facing barriers such as transportation or time constraints. Other activities include organizing community outreach programs including mobile clinics, counselling workshops and awareness campaigns to educated communities from rural areas. Implementation of workplace mental health programs and rolling out school-based mental health services will help enhance access to mental health services.

• • Advocate policy changes: Advocating the right policy interventions requires strategic and continuous efforts on behalf of advocates and the government. Introducing grassroot efforts combined with targeted engagement across all levels is key.  Researching and understanding the areas that need attention is very important. Few of the areas that need immediate attention include better funding for mental health services, Introduction of mental health friendly policies at workplaces, schools and universities. Providing improved insurance coverage for mental health support is another important factor that must be addressed by the decision makers. Lastly, laws which protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, including anti-discrimination laws and policies to ensure equal access to housing, employment, and education are also important.

 As a society, we still have a long way to go before people with mental health problems feel safe and supported in seeking mental health care. Collective efforts are required to promote empathy, understanding, and open communication to foster a healthier societal approach to mental well-being.