On this day, the 10th of October 2022, when the WHO has declared the theme for this year’s world mental health day as “Mental Health in an Unequal World”, we are witnessing a steep surge in the number of mental health issues coming to the fore across all the strata of the society. The cases that we are getting to hear are more from the literate segment than the illiterate, not to forget that they too are victims of the vicissitudes of life that left them distraught and in pain. It is just that they are unaware that people can get mentally ill like they get physically ill.
When we take a moment, step back and ponder as to who is more vulnerable or prone to mental illness, the women, men, girls or boys, fathers, or mothers, employed or unemployed, married, or unmarried, there is no single answer to this. Each one, in their own sense, is facing the challenges thrown at them, some confronting them with great aplomb and some succumbing to the pressures and ending up in depression, burnout, or in worst cases, suicide.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a significant disruptor in many people’s lives. It is seen that youngsters, disadvantaged communities, and women were the worst hit as they lost their work, and schools shut down. Women experienced more domestic violence during the lockdown period. All these circumstances became more responsible for the increase in mental health issues. Death of loved ones left people clueless and, in some cases, homeless and jobless too.
Not on just this day, but other days as well, it is our responsibility to help those who need additional help, help that would restore mental peace and make them lead a calm and composed life. As the WHO had defined health, it is not just the mere absence of disease, but physical, mental, and social well-being that decides the overall health status of an individual.
The 2022 WHO report revealed a 25% increase in depression and anxiety in people. The pandemic has caught people off guard, and many were pushed into the doldrums. Now is the time when people need to invest more in relationships and people support systems. It’s also the time to reiterate the importance of mental health and create awareness. When mental health services are more readily available in urban cities, it is also imperative to take them to rural areas and create more awareness. We are in a world that is fraught with inequality and hence it becomes more salient to ensure well-being for all and make it a priority across the globe.
By Dr. Sangeeta Dhavala Bhamidipati.
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