In order to shape a society we must act to use our emotions in a constructive manner and give others equal space
Recently I came across the World Health Organisation’s slogan on World Mental Health Day for the year 2022. It says “Make mental health & well-being for all a global
priority”. Just a few weeks ago, on October 10, the entire world observed the Day by drawing attention to issues pertaining to mental well-being, creating awareness, etc. But, the discussions held on such a critical topic mostly remain inside the walled halls and we find that so many things are still to be done to attain proper infrastructure and economic support for mental wellness. Moreover, our society also lacks openness to discuss such issues.
Renowned TV actor Vaishali Thakker’s suicide incident once again drew our attention that money and career are not everything for living a happy life and our smile doesn’t always reflect our inner happiness. A few years ago, a young and smiling face and an established actor Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide.
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), maximum number of suicides in the history of India were reported in 2020-21. Delhi with 2,760 cases recorded the highest number of suicides this year, among the four metropolitan cities, followed by Chennai (2,699), Bengaluru (2,292) and Mumbai (1,436). Loneliness, dependency and expectations may be a few major concerns driving people to take the extreme steps.
In a high-rise apartment culture, many of us live alone in a walled flat. Many of us never talk or know our neighborhood residents. Many of us feel people are not available with us when we need them. Human cooperation can play a vital role in preventing such attempts but in the absence of concerned people we lack the required level of cooperation amongst us.
Mental stress invites melancholy which has disastrous repercussions on individuals and society. Many of us might be suffering with mental issues, but usually don’t express them. It can definitely be cured if it gets noticed timely and anyone is willing to assist in dealing with it. The only care of melancholy is emotional care. Emotional care is the most primary thing we all need at every stage of our life. It in fact fulfills our many other necessities.
Moreover, emotional need is one of the criteria of our mental wellbeing also. In order to achieve our mental satisfaction, we all at every stage of our life continuously perform the act of sharing care from our close ones, with whom we are emotionally or simply attached.
The level of attachment decides the level of care we deliver and it naturally enhances its proportion in case of having more concern with a person.
Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, has rightly said, “Man is a social animal”. Forming groups, sharing bonds, showing affection, keeping expectations are a few traits that humans inherit. Famous Indian lyricist Mazrooh Sultanpuri penned down – Mai akela hi chala tha jaanib-e-manzil magar, log saath aate gaye aur karwaan banta gaya.
Doesn’t every one find these two lines connected with his or her life? Definitely, there is a certain point in our life when we start our journey alone and later on we meet people who accompany us and gradually they become our friends or colleagues and even life partners also.
They actually assist in living a good life. Sharing and caring makes our lives better. Humans could not have imagined big civilizations, had they not have learned these two practices. These two sides of the paddle have brought our boat too far and proved us superior on the planet.
A mother gives birth to her baby and nurtures her till she attains the young age. It’s selfless love between the two. She tries to fulfill every demand of the child even by sacrificing her needs.
What does she expect from him or her and can it be claimed that her expectations will be met. Surprisingly, the disparity of expectation can be observed here also. It’s not a mathematical formula that always gives you the same results.
A grown-up kid also starts forming groups for various purposes, i.e. forming teams for game, study, travelling, etc., their bonding level decides the varied levels of expectations amongst them. Meeting expectations carry their togetherness forward. So, conditionally, expectations strengthen or weaken our relationships.
But exceptions are always there because they inherit emotions.
Sometimes emotions are constructive, sometimes destructive too. In order to shape a society we must act to use our emotions in a constructive manner and give others equal space. It's the right time to work for mental wellness for all. Living with this spirit will give us a purpose for our life.
(The author is a former journalist)