According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their ownabilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.

Mental health problems are common and universal. The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and today we will make a small effort to promote a more positive, proactive approach towards mental health. The aim of this promotion of mental health is to prevent mental disorders and provide rehabilitation for people with these conditions.  Although it is important to raise awareness regarding mental health, it is a difficult task. Awareness can be spread through education and through supporting members of the community to face challenges and access available resources. The promotion of mental and behavioral health is a continuous process and should not be observed for a day or a month.  The reason being anyone can face mental health problems at any time, hence community awareness and understanding is very important.

Although the general perception of mental health problems has improved over the years, there is still tremendous work left to be done for the cause. People tend to attach negative stigmas to mental health conditions as compared to other diseases and disabilities, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Stigma affects not only the number of individuals seeking treatment, but also the number of resources available for proper treatment. Stigma and misinformation can feel like overwhelming obstacles for individuals who are struggling with a mental health condition and in need of help.

Each person’s mental health is affected by different factors and experiences in everyday life. These include biological, psychological and social factors. These factors can be found in families, schools and even at work. The mental health of each person in turn affects their life in each of these domains and in turn, the overall well being of the community may be affected. Interventions that involve only the individual, such as training in social skills or self-control, are unlikely to change long-term behavior unless family, work and broader social factors are aligned to support change.

Spreading awareness and understanding mental health through support, education, and advocacy helps in the identification process of mental disorders. It also increases the chances of early intervention and supports individuals in receiving proper care and resources.

individuals who truly understand how important mental health is can go on to support causes that help members of the community deal with their mental disorders and issues more effectively. In addition, promoting awareness can reduce misconceptions to the general public that individuals facing mental health challenges are crazy and they should be avoided. Many people feel ashamed to disclose their illness to someone, including loved ones. It is our job as a community to show support and openly discuss mental health issues so that people don’t hesitate to seek help. Talking about mental illness can help those struggling realize they are not alone on their way to recovery. For those who are not directly affected by mental illness, the conversation about mental illness can help inform them about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods, which will allow them to help the people around them. This will create a ripple effect and that can help form a more informed, inclusive and accepting society.

Another way to raise awareness is to share your own story if you have experienced a mental health challenge. Sharing your own journey can help to remove the perception of shame involved and may inspire someone else to receive help or share their story.

Conclusion

Mental health illnesses affect numerous individuals in Pakistan. It is therefore imperative to create awareness about an issue that is so widespread. Learning and sharing information about mental health will allow us to help people in our family and community and create a safe and positive environment th help remove the stigma that is present in our society.

The more people openly discuss regarding mental illness, the easier the treatment will be. One conversation can start a chain reaction of conversation. If you are educated about mental health, you will be able to talk to people and if you feel they are depressed you can guide and assist them. Encourage individuals to be in good physical shape as physical health is directly linked with mental health and wellbeing. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, going for exercise and having a good night’s sleep can have a positive impact on mental and emotional state.