World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

Each year, October 10th is observed as World Mental Health Day. The theme designated for the year 2023, is “Mental health is a universal human right”. A recent survey by National Institute of World Mental Health Day and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) uncovered that nearly 150 million Indians are in need of mental health care services. Similarly, Deloitte’s survey found that 47% of professionals surveyed identified workplace-related stress as their primary mental health concern, closely followed by financial challenges.

World Mental Health Day

The surveys also revealed a bright side that there is a remarkable shift occurring in how people perceive mental health. The once-heavy stigma is dissipating as individuals are becoming increasingly aware, open about their struggles, and proactive in seeking treatment.

World Mental Health Day: While this heightened awareness is a step in the right direction, it’s important to understand that mental health issues are multifaceted. They can stem from various factors, including genetic makeup, early life experiences, lifestyle choices, and psychological factors like low self-esteem and social anxiety. While we can’t alter our genetics or change our past, we can adopt a more comprehensive framework for understanding the mind and adopt techniques to optimize it.

Western psychology formally recognized the study of the mind in 1875, with Wilhelm Wundt’s establishment of the first psychological laboratory. In contrast, India has been delving deep into the intricacies of the mind for over 3000 years. Engaging in polemic discussions, various schools of Indian philosophy have woven together a profound and nuanced understanding of the mind.

Despite the significant advancements in Western psychology and medicine in recent decades, the comprehension and treatment of mental health still trail behind the progress made in addressing (World Mental Health Day) physical health. One key factor contributing to this disparity is the absence of objective means to quantify mental health parameters and their root causes. Indian philosophical traditions provide distinctive insights into the intricacies of the human mind and offer methods for its healthy maintenance and enhancement.

World Mental Health Day: While some of these methods, such as yoga and meditation, are increasingly acknowledged as crucial tools for mental well-being in the western world, they are often adopted without a deep understanding of their underlying philosophy. Consequently, these practices are applied mechanically rather than holistically. Hence, it is important to delve deeper into the Indian philosophical schools to develop a fundamental comprehension of how the mind operates and then apply the practices advocated by these traditions accordingly.

World Mental Health Day: compiled about 2000 years ago, provide a comprehensive guide. This ancient text outlines the constituents of the mind, pinpoints the root cause of mental suffering, and offers an eight-step path to transcend it. This path combines ethical living, physical postures and meditation techniques, ultimately leading to a state of Samadhi or complete absorption. While yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) have gained popularity, they represent just two of the eight steps Patanjali prescribes. To reap the full benefits, one must grasp how the mind functions according to the Yoga Sutras and diligently follow all eight steps.

Buddha’s teachings also shed light on the intricacies of the mind. Vipassana, stemming from his original teachings, provides a profound way of observing reality as it is. This seemingly simple practice holds remarkable power in addressing conditions like anxiety and depression. Vipassana focuses on the deep connection between the mind and the body, which can be directly experienced by attentively observing the physical sensations that shape our lives and impact our mental states. Through disciplined attention to this interconnection, mental impurities dissolve, leaving behind a balanced mind filled with love and compassion.

Vedanta, another prominent Indian school of philosophy, contributes valuable insights to mental health (World Mental Health Day) . Its central theme, “Aham Brahmasmi” or “I am Brahman (the ultimate reality),” helps in understanding one’s place in the universe. In an era characterized by digital isolation and soaring rates of loneliness, Vedanta offers a perspective that fosters connection with oneself and the universe, instills healthy detachment from worries, and encourages the realization of untapped potential.

Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, forms a vital link between mind and body. It firmly emphasizes that mental health is inextricably linked to physical health. Ayurveda identifies three primary doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and proposes that an imbalance in these doshas can lead to mental health issues. By focusing on balancing these doshas through lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and meditation, Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to sustaining mental well-being.

Finally, the practice of bhakti can be an immensely powerful way of dealing with mental health issues. Activities like bhajan, kirtan, and satsang are so deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian culture that we often underestimate their therapeutic value. Devotion to a higher power has the potential to alleviate stress and anxiety on its own. However, when individuals come together as a community to listen to harmonious devotional songs, this effect is greatly magnified. For many, it can be an almost transcendental experience, where their troubled egos dissolve, and a profound connection with the divine is forged. This practice can facilitate individuals in surrendering to a higher power and letting go of their worries.

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While India is making strides in understanding and addressing mental health issues, let’s not overlook the wisdom of our ancient traditions. By blending these age-old practices with modern psychological approaches, we can pave the way to a happier and healthier mind. Achieving mental fitness, much like physical fitness, demands discipline and hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable.