With improvement in medical knowledge the life expectancy of people has
increased. But the sad part is due to changing life scenarios the mental health
has deteriorated. World health organisation has predicted Depression to be the
second leading cause of global disability burden by 2020. Depression, anxiety
and somatic complaints, affect approximately 1 in 3 people in the community and
constitute a serious public health problem.
Although we cannot change much of what is happening around but we can
help ourselves.
1. Lead a healthy lifestyle: We in pressure to run the rat race lead a
risky lifestyle
that is making our life
very stressful. We are falling a trap of behaviours like smoking, unhealthy
diet, in-appropriate nutrition and alcohol (which together account for many CHD
and cancer deaths), poor diet leading to obesity (reducing life expectancy) or
alternatively malnutrition, lack of physical exercise, irregular sleep
patterns, sexual behaviour (for example, leading to infection or teenage pregnancy),
and problems resulting from drug taking. It is necessary to break these
unhealthy lifestyle patters which will keep us physically healthy and mentally
fit.
2. Monitor mental health by
the use of apps:
Companies like Livonics, Apple etc are now providing apps to regularly monitor happiness,
mental health fitness and other psychological factors. These apps give regular
feedback and thus we can keep ourselves on the correction course.
3. Break barriers and Seek
help at the earliest: Guillver et
al in 2010 identified key barriers to seek help included
a.
Stigma and
embarrassment
b.
Problem
recognising symptoms (poor mental heath literacy)
c.
Preference
for self-reliance
d.
Confidentiality
and trust
e.
Hopelessness
Breaking
these barriers is important as early diagnosis and intervention provide better
prognosis and better management of the problem. Sukoon Psychotherapy Center
with its initiatives like Sukoon: Pledge to seek Help, are actively involved in
helping you to become aware about various mental health issues and providing
self help tips to prevent and support interventions.
Only a
balanced and fit mind can be your sails to take your boat forward smoothly in this
ocean of life.
Thus, Lets
Pledge to seek professional help when needed, as it can help adjust your mind's
sails in the right direction and to take you smoothly through this oceanic
journey of life.
