Prioritizing Well-being and Breaking Stigmas

Introduction

Every year on October 10^th, people around the world come together to observe World Mental Health Day. This important day serves as a reminder of the significance of mental health, promotes awareness, and encourages action to support those affected by health challenges. In this blog, we will explore the importance of world mental health day, its themes, and ways to participate in this global effort to prioritize well-being.  

The Significance of World Mental Health Day:

1. Raising Awareness: World mental health day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding them. Open conversations can help break down barriers and promote understanding.
2. Advocating for Change: It provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to advocate for policies and services that support mental health care.
3. Promoting Well-being: The day serves as a reminder that mental health is as crucial as physical health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.

Themes and Initiatives:

Each year, world mental health day focuses on specific themes to address various aspects of mental health. Past themes have included “Mental Health for All”, “Young people and Mental Health”, and “Mental health at work”. These themes aim to shed light on particular issues and encourage targeted efforts to address them.

Mental health issues:

Mental health issues encompass a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. These conditions can vary in severity and may impact an individual’s thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and overall quality of life.

1. Depression: Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can lead to physical symptoms like changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
2. Anxiety Disorders: These include conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, often accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating.
3. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between periods of mania (elevated mood, high energy) and depression (low mood, low energy). It can disrupt daily life and decision making.
4. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. It involves symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviours.
7. Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are characterized unhealthy attitudes and behaviours related to food, weight, and body image.
8. Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often appears in childhood and persists into adulthood. It involves symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
9. Personality Disorder: These disorders involve enduring patterns of behaviour, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations. Examples include borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

Causes:

1. Biological Factors: These includes genetics, brain chemistry, and hormonal imbalances. Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to mental health conditions due to their family history.
2. Traumatic Life Events: Experiencing Trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, the sudden loss of a loved one, or a major life change, can trigger the development of mental health issues.
3. Chronic Medical Conditions: Certain chronic illnesses, such as chronic pain or neurological disorders, can contribute to mental health problems due to stress and physical burden they impose.
4. Environmental factors: Stressful or adverse environmental conditions, such as poverty, unemployment, or exposure to violence can increase the risk.
5. Childhood Experiences: Early life experiences, especially adverse ones like neglect or abuse, can have a lasting impact on mental health.

Symptoms:

1. Changes in Mood: Persistent feeling of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or mood swings that significantly affect daily life can be indicative of mental health issues like depression or bipolar disorder.
2. Changes in Behaviour: Noticeable changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from social activities, increased substance use, or reckless behaviour.
3. Cognitive Changes: Mental health conditions can affect cognitive functions, leading to problems with memory, concentration, decision-making, and focus.
4. Thought Disturbances: Symptoms like racing thoughts, hallucinations, or paranoia may occur in conditions like schizophrenia or severe anxiety disorder.
5. Social and Relationship Issues: Difficulties in maintaining relationships, social isolation, or problems at work or school may be signs of mental health problems.
6. Physical Symptoms: Some mental health issues may manifest through physical symptoms like headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain.

Ways to Participate:

1. Start Conversations: Engage in conversations about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage open dialogue and listen without judgement.
2. Share Resources: Share mental health resources, such as helpline numbers and mental health websites, on social media and in your community.
3. Self-Care: Prioritize your own mental well-being. Practice self-care activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
4. Support Others: Reach out to friends or loved ones who may be struggling and offer your support.
5. Advocate for Change: Join mental health organizations or campaigns that work towards better mental health policies and services.
6. Educate Yourself: Learn more about common health, its common challenges, and available resources. Knowledge empowers you to support yourself and others.

How B Jain Pharmaceuticals Helps in Fighting Mental Health Issues:

1. Arsenicum Album: This remedy may be recommended for individuals who are anxious, restless, and have obsessive-compulsive tendencies. It’s often used for anxiety disorder, especially those accompanied by fear and restlessness.
2. Lycopodium: It is used for individuals with low-esteem, performance anxiety, and fear of public speaking. It’s considered for those who experience digestive issues alongside mental health symptoms.
3. Ignatia Amara: It is often prescribed for grief, loss, and emotional distress. It may be helpful for individuals who experience sudden mood swings, sadness, or hysteria due to emotional shocks.
4. Natrum Mur: This remedy is often recommended for individuals who tend to bottle up their emotions and may experience chronic grief or sadness. It’s also used for those who have difficulty expressing their feelings.
5. Pulsatilla: It is typically prescribed for individuals who are emotionally sensitive, weepy, and seek comfort from others. It may be considered for mood swings, especially in women with hormonal imbalances.

Conclusion:

World Mental Health Day is a powerful reminder that mental health matters, and everyone’s well-being deserves attention and care. By participating in this global initiative, we can collectively contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting a world where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and support. Let’s work together to prioritize mental health not just on this day but every day of the year.

Please visit our previous blog – Celebrating Virus Appreciation Day

Dr Simranjit Kaur

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Dr Simranjit Kaur is a highly accomplished medical professional with a BHMS degree from BVDU Pune and additional qualifications including CGO and MBA(Hospital Administration). With a passion for paediatric care, Dr. Simranjit pursed a fellowship in paediatrics, honing expertise in the specialized field. Currently Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals.

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