As the world grapples with unprecedented chaos, acknowledging the importance of mental health and how it benefits us has become a key learning this year
What we achieve inwardly, will change outer reality. Plutarch, Greek historian and philosopher once said.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 coincided with the arrival of the new year and even before the world entered February, there were already a lot of changes and travel restrictions in place. However, the most remarkable aspect of humanity is its resilience and the ability to bounce back from such events. The virus is still raging out there in many parts of the world, but it is no longer novel. Even a potent vaccine might just be available before long.
The one major change this year made to our lives was the focus on physical wellness and keeping ourselves safe from the virus. Lockdowns, isolations, social distancing, face masks and work from home have become the new norm. However, this has also lead to a lot of stress, anxiety, fears and paranoia among the people. Mental health has traditionally failed to gain as much attention as physical health and not much has changed. People have become increasingly conscious of their physical health in the wake of the pandemic, but mental health and its impact on various aspects of living is still not adequately understood.
It is only a healthy mind which can ensure continuation of our emotional wellness, social behaviour and intellectual prowess. A sound mind is more efficient at analysing situations and enhances the quality of decision making. As the world grapples with the unprecedented chaos, acknowledging the importance of mental health and how it benefits us has become a key learning in 2020.
There is ample incentive for people to focus on their emotional and mental health. After all, it impacts the way they think, react and conduct themselves. In the prevailing turmoil, it is easy to start feeling low, exhausted. We might even find ourselves preoccupied with negative thoughts, inaction and feel like withdrawing from social interactions even when there is a lot we want to talk about. This is where stress can lead to depression and anxiety over time.
By being emotionally healthy and resilient, we can improve our social and professional standing. According to the World Health Organisation, millions of work days annually are affected by depression and mental health issues. The unfortunate part of the phenomenon is that this illness is considered a disability. In the wake of a global pandemic, such risks become more pronounced. Hence, it is really important to keep ourselves mentally fit and alert. This can help in improving productivity, performance, and the ability to work enthusiastically.
Another key aspect of our lives is the relationships we have with self, friends and family. The outcome and quality of these relationships is completely governed by our emotional health. A person’s thoughts reflect his behaviour and the kind of people they will attract. By instilling discipline in our mental space, we can reap similar benefits that one gets for the body after regularly working out at gym. Avoid negativity, over analysing situations and the tendency to undervalue own performance. Give yourself a pat on the back and know that you deserve happiness as much as anyone ever did.
Nobody can completely escape stress. In fact, many psychologists believe that stress in moderation is essential to drive us towards our goals. If one were to be completely care-free then there might be no motivation to work towards the goals. This is exemplified by the ‘hare and the tortoise’ story that has been repeatedly narrated from playschools to corporate boardrooms.
However, extreme stress can lead to various ailments such as weak immunity, diabetes, heart diseases and migraines and even chronic fatigue. By managing stress and remaining mentally healthy, we can dynamically manage life’s challenges, relish moments and progress towards our goals.
The global health scare that we are currently dealing with this year has made it clear that ignoring mental health will sooner or later cause problems for overall well-being. The good thing is that these issues are as curable as any physical ailments. There are plenty of mental health experts, psychologists, and counselors available even on digital platforms. They will listen to you, effectively understand your mental struggles and help you cope with them. If you feel that you don’t need professional help, but just need someone to talk with, then you can open up to a trusted friend or family member.
Live a mentally healthy life to enjoy all the boons that future has in store for you. This is what 2020 has taught us and it is a lesson for lifetime.
(The writer is Shumita Kakkar, Founder, United We Care.)