World Mental Health Day this time around is celebrated under the theme, ”Mental health is a universal human right” While every human must have access to be consulted & treated for mental health-related disorders one must also bear in mind that mental health should be given equal importance as physical health. Even though it’s already the 2020s many still tend to stigmatize mental health-related issues. That serves as a major drawback in getting to normalizing mental health disorders & related conditions. 

Mental Health Day not only focuses on raising awareness among the public on mental issues but also promotes creating a positive environment favoring a healthy mind.

Raising awareness includes educating them on mental health and its disorders, making them realize mental health disorders are just like any other disease, and most importantly helping them understand how gravid these issues can become and why it is important to prioritize mental health just as how they would do so with their physical health. 

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to mental health issues too. Although most mental disorders have a strong genetic component attached to them environmental factors play a major role, especially as predisposing factors. Therefore, identifying and getting rid of those factors will help keep most mental health disorders at bay. This is mostly true with depression; the commonest psychiatric illness seen universally. Stressors more than genes are responsible for being the culprit here, hence the reason why stressful situations and prolonged stress must be addressed promptly and with caution as eventually it could lead to depression. 

Anyone can be affected by clinical depression even the extremes of ages like children and elderly. However, the way it manifests usually differs. Depressed elderly tend to be more aggressive and agitated whereas depressed children tend to be less enthusiastic and engaging. Depression mainly stems from stressors in one’s life. Therefore, to tackle depression, it’s important to get rid of those stressors. Most believe that depression can only be controlled with medication but that is not true. Mild depression can be completely cured with only psychotherapy. Even moderate and severe depression can be cured once and for all with medication and psychotherapy for that matter. The bottom line is that depression is a treatable condition and it is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of.

Depression with psychosis however should be dealt with caution. The risk of suicide and homicide is high since the affected experience delusions and hallucinations mostly of a pessimistic & discouraging nature. It’s worth talking to or at least lending an ear to these people because making them share their thoughts with someone else does not encourage but discourages them from attempting suicide/homicide. This is why counseling and social support play a main role in managing depression and also bringing down the rates of suicide. Therefore, if you ever feel down, talk to anyone who you’re comfortable with, at least one person would do. If you ever feel like someone else is depressed, reach out to them and make sure they’re heard. This small step can make a huge difference in their lives and yours too.

So on this very day, start making it a habit to prioritize your mental health. It will eventually make your physical health better as well. If you are stuck with a busy schedule and feel like being repetitive with the same old boring routine try to break free once in a while. Having a little fun won’t do you harm. Have meetups, watch movies, try out different cuisines, dress up, listen to your favorite music & sing your heart out. Do what makes you happy even if you’re not the best at it. Even that small amount of happiness and confidence will be enough for you to get through those coming weeks of sheer stress because after all, “A healthy mind is the greatest treasure to find ”

Written by: Inuri Hettiarachchi

Graphic design by: Sathmi Dinanja