Got a cough? Visit the Doctor. Got body ache? Visit the Doctor. Got mental health issues? Definitely visit the Doctor.
Welcome to World Mental Health day where we celebrate the wonderfully weird and perfectly imperfect sides of our minds. Every year we observe this day on October 10th as it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of Mental Health awareness, advocacy and support. As a developing nation Mental Health awareness has gained considerable traction in our metro cities in the last few years but we are yet to counter our tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The World Health Organisation estimates that about 1 in 7 Indians experiences some form of mental disorder. However, many individuals do not seek help due to the stigma attached to Mental health as well as the insufficient resources particularly in smaller cities.
In recent years, various organizations and activists have launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about mental health. Initiatives like World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Month have become platforms for discussions, workshops, and social media campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting understanding.
Global icon Deepika Padukone recently took to her Instagram to announce her new initiative The Live Love Laugh Lecture series. In the video DP is having a conversation with the founder of Thrive Global and The HuffPost- Ariana Huff on the importance of Mental well being and taking clear demarcated breaks from work in order to be more productive at work and in life.
Content creator and Entrepreneur Ranveer Alhabadia on his podcast has time and again spoken about the importance of mental health along with physical wellbeing.
Some Indian influencers have actively promoted self care practices to improve mental health. From meditation and mindfulness exercises to promoting a healthy work-life balance, these influencers set examples that resonate with their followers globally. Jay Shetty, Gaur Gopal Das, Divija Bhasin, Dr Meghna Singhal, Sonali Gupta and Vandana Subramanian.
Ultimately, investing in mental health not only improves individual lives but also enhances overall community resilience and productivity. Together we can build a culture where mental health is valued and prioritised, leading to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.