Reflections about society’s mental state

How we can rethink our stance on mental health

Last week, on 10th October, the world observed the World Mental Health Day 2019. With the theme of this year being that of “Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention”, many took to their social media on that day to share goodwill messages about taking care of oneself and looking out for suicide warning signs. Yet, as the week passed, more and more people simply went back to their daily lives and lost sight of the importance of mental health once again.

Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide.

- World Health Organisation (WHO)

On 14 October, the news of an apparent suicide by Korean Celebrity Sulli shocked the world. Although many might not know who she was, fans and individuals who looked up to her, her friends, and family were all affected by her death.

While World Mental Health Day is indeed a good way to bring awareness to the issues relating to mental health, it is not enough to help as many simply share about the day to look “fashionable” and “relatable”, forgetting about the main message soon after. Maybe it is time for all of us to step back and see what we can all do to improve everybody’s mental health.

1. We need to start being kinder to each other.

For many individuals, high stress and constant unnecessary criticism are root factors that lead to mental health problems. While it might be difficult for us to help with the workload of others or block them from redundant criticism, it is not difficult for us to be kinder towards others. While that might be a simple “are you coping well?” or simply holding back on a nasty remark, a little goes a long way especially if the other individual has had a tough day. At the same time, we should recognise the fact that celebrities and other famous personalities are humans as well. While we might be more inclined to comment on a public person’s actions, we should stick to compliments or constructive feedback.

2. Don’t be afraid to take breaks or to share your problems with others.

Especially for those living in fast paced cities, numerous individuals don’t take enough time for themselves to rest and heal. While many of us know to take care of our physical health, we are more reserved when it comes to seeking help for our mental well being. A break doesn’t have to be long and can simply mean getting off work on time and spending a short night relaxing and doing things you enjoy. At the same time, we should not be afraid to confide in others (and do the same to others). When we are able to ‘rant’ and share our problems with someone we trust, we can receive some help (be it moral support or physical solutions) in facing our problems.

3. At the same time, don’t forget to help others when needed.

We do not have to be there 24/7 for all our friends and family. However, it will be very helpful if we could all spend some spare time to listen to others and help them ease their pain when they need help, or simply not make their lives tougher. Learn to spot when others start acting differently and give appropriate help whenever you can (simply being their listening ear might also help to ease their pain).

Yes. Society needs to change in order for mental health problems to go away. But society cannot change unless all of us embrace the fact that our mental health is more important than work and productivity. We shouldn’t be afraid to sound out when we need help. And we definitely shouldn’t be afraid to step out and help others in need.

Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into the open. ~STEVEN AITCHISON