Angeline Sara Santhosh
Mental Health! What’s the first picture that comes to your mind when you hear these two words? A person who’s mentally deranged? A mental asylum? These are the standard stereotyped impressions that one forms in their mind. Unfortunately, the reality behind these two words is vastly different.
Theoretically, mental health is defined as an emotional, psychological and social well-being. It basically talks about the way we think, we feel, act and react. It is an important factor at every stage of our lives, be it childhood, adolescence, adulthood or even old age. It encompasses every facet of our lives and is closely tied to all kinds of emotions – joy, anger, hatred, love, tranquility and so on.
Every human tries their best to maintain a proper lifestyle with self-care and a very active and positive surrounding. However, often one tends to forget a very important part- our minds. The care and proper well-being of our minds, are as important as our physical health. We all need to attend to our mental health and take proper care of it.
Now, not many know how to maintain their mental health and often depend on mental health professionals. I, myself being a Psychology student focusing on building a career in clinical psychology would say, that not everyone has to rely on a professional. The best mental health professional you can find is the one inside you. You are your best guide and medicine.
We’ve often heard the statement that goes, “You can tell me anything. I’m all ears.” and then when we finally decide to open up to that person, we get, “Please stop! There’s nothing wrong with you. You just got to stop watching all these crazy movies and being with people that teach you this.” They’re right! Hold on… hear me out!
They’re right when they say that there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with you. There’s nothing wrong in saying ‘I do feel lonely at times’, there’s nothing wrong with saying ‘I don’t seem to be happy’. It’s just a void not an issue because voids can be filled but often issues remain unsolved. Reaching out to the right person is always important and at this point, I would always suggest that you head to a person you feel you can shed a few tears with. A person that can hear you out and lets you rant and flush all that seems to be keeping you tied.
Finally, I’d like to say that you’re not alone. When you feel that your way seems to have reached a dead-end, many will come, opening doors to travel longer, faster and stronger. But even then, you will be given the choice and the power to decide, whether to end this journey or strive to discover and cherish things along your way. Don’t lose hope, at any point. Leave those that pull you back, way behind you. Remember, there’s always light at the end of every tunnel. Keep your eyes on the light and take small firm steps towards it.
Thank you.
