Food for Thought:

To be very honest the meaning of these two words “mental health” touched me very deeply only when I saw two people in my inner circle battle with two different mental health conditions.

The most imperative step is to see that something is wrong and own it. In my mind this is also the most difficult; even today, there is a lot of fear, uncertainty, and taboo related to mental illness.

On this journey I learnt a couple of important lessons; firstly there is a lot of good help and support available once we’re able to accept and own the problem.

Secondly, mental health is not black and white; there are many shades to this and one needs to learn, read and understand.

Knowledge is a potent tool that can release fear, uncertainty, and doubt completely.

Also, when friends, family, colleagues and clients are aware, understand the subject and are knowledgeable, and non-judgemental that’s when true inclusion could happen.

In my opinion, every individual has certain weak spots; some could have physical ailments like diabetes, blood pressure or cardiac issues; bad behaviour patterns; anger tantrums etc

However, this is easily accepted by all and understood. It’s important for us as people to break our comfort zone and increase our circle of acceptance by adding mental illness to this list.

Just like in diabetes, we have a few do’s and don’ts to manage the illness; similarly the same is true with mental illness.

Just by following a few guidelines many of the patients can have a normal life; provided there is inclusion.

Inclusion for me is an action word a verb; that each of us needs to practice.

It’s important to take a pause and ask ourselves in our space at home and at work do we see any of our stakeholders battling alone?

Could I reach out and extend support; not talking and discussing the problem even after knowing one exists doesn’t serve anyone.

I’ve worked very closely with the transgender community and realised many of them are battling different types of mental illnesses; after interacting and spending time with them I’ve realised one of the post important reasons being lack of inclusion.

The most difficult and the biggest struggle is non-acceptance and pushing things under the carpet.

While pushing it under the carpet seems easy; actually, it is the most painful and difficult; this leads to intense confusion and fear of the unknown.

What I’ve realised is once there is complete ownership by the patient and the family members truly miracles can happen.

The truth is that once you own it then you will definitely solve it.

The reason I’m writing this post today is I’ve seen miracles happen with ownership and my sharing could fuel others who are struggling with it.