By The Flawed Minds
An infinite expanse of knowledge and creativity all bundled up in the pinpoint of the human mind; the center for bursts of euphoria, deep slumbers of weariness, and every emotion we’ve felt.
There are episodes in our lives when we feel pinched into never-ending darkness and often wonder if we can ever find a way out. Like any other part of our body, our minds are indifferent to all sorts of ailments.
Mental health problems are common but in many cases, they are not disclosed or diagnosed properly. Since childhood, many are taught never to get too involved with someone who has put a toe out of the line of ‘normal human behavior’.
Almost as if caught by a deadly virus, a mentally ill person is treated as an outcast.
We have been prejudiced into believing that mental illness is a sign of weakness; something we have full control over. People suffering from anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depression are often perceived as ‘crazy.’
The whole stigma surrounding mental issues has led people to isolation and shame which aggravates the condition furthermore. Statistics show that around 800,000 people worldwide die every year due to suicide, which is one person every 40 seconds.
Many are accustomed to bottling up their feelings and emotions.
They don’t or can’t talk about the storm brewing up in their minds. Even if some do open up about it, they are suggested to ‘not think about it’ instead of facing it head-on and understanding the way around the dark abyss.
The way mental and physical health is perceived is entirely different when in reality they are actually co-dependent.
Mental illness is a side effect of physical illness and vice versa. Both of these topics should be observed in a broader spectrum.
Amid this lockdown, mental health problems have significantly increased. Due to the present high-stress situation, depression, anxiety, psychosis has increased significantly.
In Nepal alone, suicide cases have jumped by a whopping 25% as compared to the record maintained before lockdown. It is high time we remove the stereotypical beliefs on mental health issues.
There are many who’ve been dying to get out of their own heads. Their suppressed feelings and emotions grow, festering into a disease until they burst like wildfire.
We need to make a safety net where those who are suffering can land safely; where they can talk about it openly and not be called ‘cuckoo’.
“People start to heal the moment they feel heard”
Data References:
https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/
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