Mental Health Day: ‘Make Mental Health for all a global priority’
Today ‘World Mental Health Day’ is being celebrated in all corners of the world. It is organised by the World Federation of Mental Health and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Today ‘World Mental Health Day’ is being celebrated in all corners of the world. It is organised by the World Federation of Mental Health and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
A theme is chosen every year and this year’s theme is ‘Make Mental Health for all a global priority.’ The theme is just apt given the alarming rise in mental health cases all over the world.
Besides other factors, the pandemic and lock down has played a crucial role on the mental health of not only adults but also young children.
The Covid- 19 pandemic has affected people’s physical health, mental health and even personalities according to a report published in PLOS One Journal. People have become less social and students’ concentration levels have dropped considerably.
Wars and religious disharmony are other factors that have added to the stress levels of global citizens.
Mental illnesses have become common among people from all strata of society. Celebs are also easy victims, keeping in mind their lifestyle and work which can easily turn stressful at times. We often witness stars like Deepika Padukone, Shahen Bhatt, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma speaking up on this ever important subject.
A recent survey shows that the top countries with the highest rates of depression are Ukraine, United States of America, Estonia, Australia, Brazil, Greece, Portugal and so on.
There are various tools and medical facilities available for the victims of mental health issues however many find it difficult to approach health professionals due to the stigma associated with it. We have to stop the stigma!
Therefore many celebrities are opening up about their own experiences. Deepika Padukone was one of the first celebrities in India to speak about her battle with depression in 2014.
In Kaun Banega Crorepati 13, Deepika told the show’s host Amitabh Bachchan, “ I was diagnosed with depression in 2014. I used to feel weird that people don't talk about it. It was a stigma and people don't even know much about it. During that time, I realised that if I am experiencing this, then there would be many people out there facing depression as well. My ambition in life was that if I could save just one life, then my purpose was solved. We have come a long way now."
Popular cricketer Virat Kohli also recently opened up about his tryst with depression. “You just don’t understand how to get over it. That was a phase when I literally couldn’t do anything to overturn things.I felt like I was the loneliest guy in the world”, Virat had expressed.
Mental health professionals will use today to raise awareness on the topic. It is to be kept in mind that mental health is as important as physical health. Let’s support our friends and families during these challenging times.