Every year, World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th. This day allows individuals, organizations and governments to focus on mental health. Highlight the challenges that still exist and promote policies that improve mental healthcare.
The theme for World Mental Health Day of this year is "It's Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace."
The recent spate of unnatural deaths forces us to look into mental health and the workplace.
Tarun Saxena, 42, succumbs to mental pressure and commits suicide. Unable to meet his targets amidst threats of salary deductions.
Anna Sebastian Perayil, aged 26, Kochi, dies of cardiac arrest. Her mother claims the workload was behind it.
A study in 2017 revealed about 14% of the total population in India suffers from mental disorders. Women contribute a chunk to these figures; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men have mental health problems.
Neuropsychiatric disorders- depression, other common mental disorders, alcohol-use and substance-use disorders, and psychoses contribute to a staggering 14% of the global burden of disease. If it were not for these statistics, mental disease would have remained unnoticed as a public health concern.
It remains a pertinent question why some people are cheerful while others are often sad. Does it relate to our moods or some aspects of our personality? What is that which makes us less depressed, anxious or exuberant?
Temperaments result from biological factors such as genes or neurochemicals.
Life events, social conditions, social role structures and the cultural systems of meaning affect our state of mind. It is not only our personalities or brains but the conditions we face that determine our mental health.
The symptoms vary from mood, anxiety, psychotic, and eating to personality disorders. Intense highs and lows, worrying thoughts and feelings, unhealthy eating, distorted views of reality and extreme personal traits are characteristic features.
Stress is visible and recognizable, like the loss of a family member, a divorce, an economic loss or even long commutes to work.
There is another variety which we often tend to ignore: microstress. As the name implies, they are invisible but have significant value. They are momentary, easy to deal with and seem too minor to hurt us. These singular microstresses appear manageable momentarily. But they accrue and create a ripple effect, one thing leading to another till a final collapse occurs.
How does stress impact our body, mind and life?
They drain our energy and hamper our ability to do things.
Cause unpredictable behaviors.
Show a lack of trust
Confrontational attitude
Disruptions at work
MedBound Times reached out Sunidhi Kashyap, Organizational Psychologist for her thoughts on the matter.
What we eat affects our mental health. Eating a Mediterranean diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, unsalted nuts, moderate dairy and alcohol supports cognitive functions and the risk of cognitive decline. Processed food, saturated fats, and sugar negatively affect the brain.
People taking a balanced diet have higher levels of gray matter in areas of the brain than those eating high-protein and low-fiber.
The reason for poor mental health and good health are the same- Relationships.
People nowadays experience a strong sense of disconnect, and having someone to listen to them gives them cognitive resilience. Engaging with others helps us see a different perspective.
Physical activity causes release of chemicals in the brain that make us feel good, boost self-esteem, help in concentration, and improve sleep and well-being. They reduce anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity prevents non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer, affecting mental health.
Dr Swati Sharma, MDS, asked young professionals about their stress management strategies on the MedBound app. Here’s what they had to say:
Yash Kamble, PharmD student, said, "Walking really helps me a lot after a stressful day".
Sai Sindhuja Kalaskar, MSc Microbiology, said, "I personally take breaks when I feel exhausted. I try to focus on the present by prioritizing my mental health through self-care activities such as meditation, and yoga or sometimes I read novels and watch cartoons which gives me peace. I also seek support from my friends or family which really helps".
Dr. Sreelekshmi P, BDS, says, "To manage stress and prevent burnout, I find peace in meditation and yoga, which helps me recharge. Gardening brings me joy and connects me to nature, while listening to music lifts my mood. I also focus on managing my time wisely, allowing me to maintain balance and enjoy life more fully."
Dr. Shanjitha J Hussain, MD, Internal Medicine, said that she follows a short morning & night routine. She writes down everything. She also works out.
Neha Kamble, M.Pharm, said, "I prepare to-do lists in my phone's notepad! I make break-time for hobbies like poetry, reading which provides an outlet for stress and help me to recharge. Additionally, I prepare myself to tackle challenges with the use of meditation because it closes our eyes but opens our positive mindset."
Dr. Chhavi Garg, MBBS, said, "I try to set clear boundaries between my work and personal time. Taking short breaks and regular exercise also helps a lot. Setting small goals for the day so it does not become overwhelming in the bigger picture is also very important to curb mental stress."
Aniket Gupta, M. Pharm, said, "To manage stress and burnout, I love to engage in activities such as playing puzzles, traveling, listening to music, and exploring new technology. These activities help me relax, recharge, and stay motivated in my work or academic pursuits."
Dr. Ruchika Brahmmadandi, MD, says, "When I’m stressed, I run straight to my dog! her energy and cuddles take my mind off everything and make me feel better instantly."
Dr. Ansmin Jaison, BDS, "My go-to stress buster is a short nap which clears out my head quickly. Another one is taking a stroll through a quiet place."
Dr Vaishali Dubey, BDS, MPH student, said, to manage her stress and prevent burnout, she engages in one of these activities based on her mood:
1. Listening to music
2. Watching the sunset
3. Taking a walk on the terrace
This is something she has been doing since she was a teenager. Simple yet effective.
Prajna Paramita, says, "Give a hug or take a hug from a loved one—it's a simplest way to melt away stress."
Josna Lewis, M. Pharm, said she prefers to listen to music and take a walk in her little garden.
Ankur Deka, B. Pharm student says meditation and listening to music helps him the most.
Dr Shivani A D, BDS, says, "To prioritize my mental health, I will take some me-time on the weekends to do activities I love. Setting boundaries between work and personal life helps me overcome stress."
Priyanka S, said that she priortizes tasks which are to be done by dividing them into tasks that require urgent attention and note down the tasks which can be done later.
Deval Koshti, B. Pharm, says, "Listening to music is the best way to reduce stress and yoga is also best way to reduce stress."
Stress has become a constant companion for us. From work to personal responsibilities the demands of daily life take a toll on our mental and physical health. Living stress free is not about escaping challenges, but it is about learning how to manage them with balance and resilience. Here are some simple tips for stress free living
Mindfulness
We can live in the present despite all mental and physical distractions, in contact with ourselves with kindness and a non-judgmental attitude.
Self-Compassion.
We should treat ourselves without being hypercritical in the face of distress.
Gratitude.
Being grateful and counting our blessings has a positive influence, raising happiness and well-being.
Lifestyle
Keep in touch with family and friends. Develop hobbies, engage in creative pursuits, be physically active and feel the dopamine elevate your mood.
Actress Deepika Padukone is a proponent of mental health ever since she struggled with depression. Her foundation 'The Live Love and Laugh Foundation' has been actively promoting the cause.
One need not pretend to be happy when stressed, anxious or upset. Dealing with negative feelings is as important as with positive ones. Mental health has a social stigma, but our chance lies in breaking the silence and opening up to conversation.
Mental health affects our well being. It helps us to cope with the challenges of life. Genetics, trauma and life experiences lead to mental health disorders. To achieve good mental health one needs to prioritize their relationship with self.
Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and timely support are essential for mental health.
References:
1.Duque-Guimarães, Daniella, and Susan Ozanne. “Early Nutrition and Ageing: Can We Intervene?” Biogerontology 18, no. 6 (December 1, 2017): 893–900. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-017-9691-y.
2.Cross, Rob, and Karen Dillon. The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems--and What to Do about It. Harvard Business Press, 2023.
3.Mahindru, Aditya, Pradeep Patil, and Varun Agrawal. “Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review.” Cureus 15, no. 1: e33475. Accessed October 5, 2024. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475.
