Mental Health: A Journey, not a Destination

Mental health is not just a trend these days; it is of vital importance. Recently, I asked my students to describe moments when they feel most mentally at peace or when they know their mental health is in a good place. Their responses were quite insightful:

“The day that voice in my head is silent and not driving me crazy to achieve and be better.”

“Days when I feel I love myself, and I have a song and a smile.”

These are just a few examples of how teenagers experience mental well-being today. If we go by the standard definition, mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

It’s encouraging to witness an era where people are no longer masking their mental health issues behind physical ailments. In the past, it was common, especially for women, to go “doctor shopping” or be accused of malingering. They couldn’t express their mental pain openly and had to disguise it as a physical ailment just to receive the attention and care they deserved.

The Need for Greater Support and Awareness

While we’ve made significant progress in acknowledging mental health, there is still a long way to go. Globally, with high population density in many regions and a skewed ratio of mental health professionals to those in need, it’s clear we must develop better support systems. However, mental health awareness begins at home, in the family, and at school. The best path forward in addressing mental health is to raise awareness.

Media has played an essential role in this. We see celebrities openly discussing their mental struggles, and social media influencers creating content that encourages everyone to speak up about their mental health issues and seek help. Yet, many people still go unnoticed or remain voiceless. Some, especially those who have experienced trauma or abuse, may withdraw completely, unable to open up at all. We need more widespread awareness and accessible help for everyone.

Mental Health: More Than the Absence of Illness

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is about feeling comfortable in your own skin, and possessing the strength and courage to navigate life without feeling broken or helpless. Stress is a significant part of life; no one can live entirely free of stress or struggle. However, building resilience and developing coping strategies are essential to navigating life’s challenges without experiencing a complete breakdown.

Even when we do have a breakdown, we must seek the right guidance and find the strength to overcome it. As a society, while we advance towards technological progress, we must remember that we are human. Humans are complex, and the human brain is even more so. How we react or process information varies significantly from person to person. The way people respond to the same stimulus differently remains a mystery.

Each individual’s mental health journey is unique. Taking care of mental health is a continuous process, not a one-time fix. It involves learning, growing, and healing over time. While it takes effort and courage, the journey is worth it.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

The more we talk about mental health, the more we can break down the stigma and shame that still surround it. If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. You deserve to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is not selfish or indulgent—it is necessary. Just as we care for our physical health through exercise and proper nutrition, we must care for our mental health. Let’s continue to destigmatize mental health and make it a priority in our lives. We all deserve to live lives filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

-Sugandha Dutt is a psychologist, counselor, therapist, and graphotherapist.