Like a fit body, Fit mind is very important.

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.