Mental Distress: The Next Pandemic

By Aakriti Bhandari

(Image source: solidarity.net.au)

On 14 June 2020, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput hanged himself in his apartment in Bandra, Mumbai. The news of his demise sent shockwaves across the country with messages and condolences pouring in from everywhere. It is reported that Sushant was suffering from depression for the last six months. His death has pushed into limelight the importance of mental health issues and awareness. Sushant Singh's death is not a first of its kind. His name is added to the many who had earlier ended their lives. In 2015, actress Jiah Khan died by suicide, by hanging herself in her Juhu apartment. Television actress Pratyusha Banerjee in 2016 ended her life in the same manner. Many Hollywood stars such as Kurt Cobain, Marilyn Monroe, Robbie Williams, Chester Bennington are few of the many names that succumbed to various mental illnesses. The bling and glamour of the Korean pop or K-pop industry too took a black color when in 2017, Kim Jonghyun, 27, of the Idol group Shinee, died by suicide. He too was a victim of severe clinical depression for years. This year alone saw two young deaths, Singer Sulli of F(x) and Goo Hara of Kara, both of whom ended their life because of depression.

However, why do all of these young lives have to be taken away for the people, to treat

depression and other mental disorders as serious illnesses? According to WHO, globally more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. It is the third single largest killer in the world with half a people suffering from it dying by suicide. With the Corona virus pandemic, the death toll from suicides has taken a tremendous rise. With people locked in their homes in isolation and quarantine, the pandemic has taken its toll on people of all ages alike. Mental health is something that has been the worst hit by the pandemic, because our mind has to be okay to go on about our daily life pleasantly. It is certainly not easy to overcome mental health issues but it should be paid attention to with utmost importance.

Our country is not an exception to this silent killer. 15% of Indians suffer through mental health issues. The country has the highest suicide rate in South east Asia, of which there is higher rate of student suicides. But all these data did not seem to get the attention that was needed for mental health issues. During this period of lockdown, a total of 338 Indians ended their life due to financial, physical and emotional stress. What aggravates the problem in India is the lack of mental health facilities and the stigma that is associated with the people suffering from it. People are misjudged for seeking help thus making them hesitant

to seek help.

The world is fighting a pandemic like never before with the Corona virus. But the world should not turn a blind eye to a new pandemic that is rising from the shadows. Mental disorders such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and Depression are all silent killers and are rising, but unlike the Corona virus we don't have to find a vaccine to save a life.

A simple talk can save someone from the deadly spiral of depression and other mental health issues. Humans depend on social relationships, the absence of which seems to be a trigger. Simple means can prove to be a cure. Behavioural changes are usually the main symptoms. If you see mood swings or restricted activity of your close ones, don't be hesitant to reach out. A check up call on a friend can too be a life saver. And telling someone, who is hesitant, to seek professional help is also a step towards change and raising awareness about mental health, not to mention the stigma that surrounds it. Distress helplines, suicide helplines should be made accessible to everyone. Various organisations and non profit ventures too are a great force in defeating this deadly silent pandemic.

In the end, we are in this together. We will certainly make a better world for the distressed to

heal, only when we choose to care. The bubbles of preconceptions and misjudgements are

breaking after we had chosen to aware ourselves. Let the word spread- your mental health is

important.