Mental health, a phrase used very rarely in our society as compared to physical health. It is as important as physical health but unfortunately we are unaware of it. It involves our thinking, our emotions and feeling and our response to external stimulus. In our society where suicide rate is increasing by day ,Mental illness is surely one of the main reasons behind it and unaware of such important issue is alarming as well catastrophic for us. In fact, above 80% of people who commit suicide have a mental illness. Most often Depression, Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression), Schizophrenia, Substance Use Disorders and Phobias are some of the mental health disorders may lead to suicidal tendencies.
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There is no single cause of mental illness but also many factors contribute to mental illness. Causes like Family abuse, domestic violence trauma, Loneliness, Severe psychological trauma suffered in childhood, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, loss of dear ones, Poor ability to relate to others, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, stress and poverty may agitate mental issues and consequently lead to suicide ideation.
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Dealing with these disorders and illnesses, although complex at times, need is to be in the knowledge of members of the society, and people be given awareness as how to deal with them. People suffering from mental illness may exist in our family or in next door. The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors like Feeling sad or down, Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate, Excessive fears or worries, extreme feelings of guilt or shame, Extreme mood changes of highs and lows, Withdrawal from friends and activities, Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping, Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations, Inability to cope with daily problems or stress, Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people, Problems with alcohol or drug use, Major changes in eating habits, Excessive anger, hostility or violence and suicidal thinking and so on and so forth.
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One may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but can can offer encouragement and support, if anybody is feeling any of the above symptoms. Simply, listen to understand, instead of thinking about how you can argue back or convince the person to change his/her wrong beliefs. We should avoid interrupting, criticizing, or giving advices. A mentally ill person needs an empathy from others so that he/she won’t find him/her alone. It’s an ability to put yourself in someone’s else position both mentally and emotionally. Interestingly, the connecting power of empathy benefits the person who is facing difficulty as well as the person who is listening and responding. The person who is helped by Empathy is empowered by rekindled spirit and light, while the act of successfully helping someone else can feel similar. During listening words like “I understand” are really helpful and encourages the effected person to express him/herself more honestly and openly.
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Viktor Frankl, one of the great existentialist of twentieth century once told a story of a women who called him at middle of night that she was about to commit suicide. Frankl talked to her on the phone, giving her reasons after reasons to stop her from suicide and after hours of talk, finally she promised she won’t take her life and she kept her words. After few months when they met, Frankl asked that women which reason persuaded her to live?
“None of them” the women Replied.
Frankl Asked again what influenced her to live then?
Her answer was simple, it was Frankl’s Willingness to listen to her at middle of the night. A world in which where someone is ready to listen another’s pain and what she is going through gives that person a support system which will prove helpful in helping that person.
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It is unfortunate that a very less number of mentally effected people are given professional treatments and attentions by their families. Mental health awareness surely will help our society and save many precious lives.
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It is a saying that “A little act of kindness can make someone’s day” but in this case a little act of listening and care can save someone’s life. It is important and we all need to keep ourselves and our close ones save from mental hazards.
