SEEK

You and I are humans who think, feel and behave. Everyone among us have been through difficult phases in our life, and the way we dealt with it differed because of various factors which can be explained in terms of specific strategies in place, support available to us and how we chose to deal with it. However, when it comes to Mental Health; it is so much more than what is hyped about or stereotyped about.

Mental health, as defined by American Psychological Association (APA) is "a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life." On the other hand, Mental Illness and disorder, is defined as "any condition characterized by cognitive and emotional disturbances, abnormal behaviors, impaired functioning, or any combination of these." A range of factors contribute to the development of mental illnesses some of which are environmental, physiological, genetic, chemical imbalances, social and other factors. There are various kinds of mental disorders and depression is one of them, but not the only. 

Individuals who are diagnosed with mental disorder/s by a mental health professional, specifically a clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist; is done on basis of training, evidence and psychological testing. Experience counts too. 

There is stigma associated with mental illness and even if it has reduced to a considerable extent, it is not enough. It is not enough until you normalize seeking help and prioritizing your mental health and mental health of people around you. What is a way forward? Break the stigma whenever you get a chance to. Talk about why mental health is important, that it is humane to experience negative emotions sometimes, that help can be sought, no problem is permanent, people with mental disorders deserve compassion and respect, they aren't dangerous or a burden.

A sensitive aspect of mental illness is the risk of suicide. Suicide, the act of killing oneself may be associated with major depressive episode, other disorders or substance use. It can also happen in absence of any psychiatric disorder when the person is unable to cope with the circumstances ahead of them. Not all people with mental illness have suicidal tendencies. Normally functioning individuals say that he/she/they should not have ended their life by taking such drastic step...true, but isn't it a judgment or opinion? Believe me, by the very fact of being another person, we don't really understand the struggle that the person who died by suicide must have endured. But we can try to understand and be there for the person who are still alive, by merely being there. It means a lot for having felt heard and to be felt supported. If you can create the space in your relationships where your friend, neighbor, partner, family member can count on you and say that they are having a difficult time coping; please do it. 

One has to be careful while dealing with sensitive issues, rather very careful. During my internship, one of my mentor said, "Don't open the wound if you are not going to close it." and I respect her for teaching me this lesson because it is so crucial in deciding our approach. I would like to re-emphasize this to all those who feel for a person having mental illness and want to help. The best you can help is by referring and encouraging the ones in need to seek help from mental heath professionals. You can accompany them, you can fund their therapies, you can offer social support, take care of them by any other means but not by giving advice. Do not treat or diagnose without proper knowledge and if you are not trained in the same. 

If someone has kidney failure, what do we do? Refer them to the concerned doctor. Why? Because intentions alone can't operate the patient and cutting the skin open, telling the person to heal; won't do so. 

Mental health professionals use specific strategies and techniques while interacting with the clients. They learn it and they are qualified to undertake such interventions. It is a skills based job and more than work, it is a service. It is a responsibility. People other than mental health professionals can refrain from giving advice to individuals who are suffering. Remember; no advice is better than wrong and insensitive advice. This can happen irrespective of your good intentions. Those whose heart moves for the troubled ones, try to help in ethical ways that are permitted. Try to implement healthy interactions in your own circle, check up on your people, listen to them when they are willing to speak to you about their problems, offer moral support if not help, but please don't judge and invalidate the struggle of someone by being less empathetic towards them. I do not mean to criticize the good intentions, but I think it is important to draw distinction between willing to help and being able to. 

What takes therapy to heal, cannot be dealt in shallow interactions of momentary bliss.-Janhavee Mandrekar

It is important to not leave out psychological well-being when talking about health and well-being. Of course, physical, emotional and social well-being matters, however psychological well-being cannot be kept for later until things get worse. 

If you are reading this, I urge you to be as kind and considerate about your mental health as much as you are about others. It is not always OTHERS that need help or suffer. You and I too face challenging situations and get affected by things happening in our life and around the world. It is not equal to being less strong. 

I conclude with few reminders:

• Negative emotions are real.
• Not all days are the same.
• You are stronger than your problems.
• You matter. Your life counts.
• You can't be replaced.
• Professional help is available.
• Asking for help is strength.
• You are capable of working on yourself.
• No matter of how hurt you are, you are not broken.
• Self-care is important.
• Therapy does wonders.
• Life is beautiful. 
• Believe!