The unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic made us realise how important it is to be aware of our day-to-day mental issues at its peak. Our perception of prevalent mental health issues such as depression and anxiety has shifted. But we have a long way to go before it becomes a health priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the burden of mental illness in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years per 10,000 populations. In the same figure, the age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1. According to WHO, the country will suffer a USD 1.03 trillion economic loss due to mental health issues between 2012 and 2030.
Making mental health a priority
An individual’s mental health can influence their thoughts, behaviours, and feelings. Depression has been shown to have a greater impact on the body than any physical injury. Various scientific studies have demonstrated this. Anything that has the potential to disrupt an individual’s routine and ability to achieve things in life is not worth it.
Our mental stability affects our body, mind, and spirit. It can have an impact on both your career and your physical health if you do not take proper care of it. Making yourself a priority when your mind is a mess is a difficult task, but aren’t we good at dealing with strange situations? Allowing a situation to control your life performance makes no sense and will have no impact on those around you. Your skills need to be polished, your career needs a ladder, and your well-being needs a break from everything. Enhancing our mental health is crucial because a depressed and anxious mind can cause hindrance in taking out the best version of us.
Symptoms of mental illness that you shouldn’t ignore
• Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for prolonged periods
• Changes in behaviour or feelings
• Sleep problems
• Loss of concentration
• Emotional outbursts
How to improve mental health and well being
Take a journal and write down how your days are going and how you are feeling. Examine your written thoughts after a week and then after a month. Soon, you’ll notice the graph of your thoughts and realise where it leads. Every strange situation contains goodness. Finding that would put your mental health first!
Break through the barriers. A walk to the nearest park or spending time watching the sunrise and sunset will help you relax. It may be difficult at first, but patience is essential.
Spend time helping others and experimenting with new activities. Plan a hike, go on an adventure, or engage in activities that will help you rediscover your happy self.
4.Sleep is very important, especially when you are experiencing mental issues. Try belly breathing or yoga. It will help you loosen your muscles, put your body at ease and have quality sleep.
Also Read: How to boost your mental health
