According to the World Health Organisation, globally around 280 million people suffer from depression, whereas around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder. According to the information by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2018, India has just 898 psychologists against the requirement of 20,250. Moreover, the country has 1,500 psychiatric nurses against the requirement of 3,000. Ministry also states that in India, 1 in every 12 elderly persons have symptoms of depression. Patients together with their families and caregivers continue to experience stigma and discrimination.

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is celebrated annually on 10 October, is organized by the World Federation for Mental Health, and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for World Mental Health Day 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on people’s mental health, therefore the need to observe this day becomes even more important.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, we at Medicircle are celebrating World Mental Health Day Awareness Series to raise awareness about mental health issues that are currently affecting the world and ensure people enjoy good mental health and wellbeing.

Dr. Sumedha Tiwari is a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Mumbai, currently practicing at Navicare Clinic (Andheri-West).  She is also a Senior Registrar at the BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Apart from treating common psychiatric ailments like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, schizophrenia, mood disorders, addiction, she also provides psychotherapy for psychological disorders.

Causes and issues of mental health 

Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” There are many issues of mental health-

Depression  Anxiety  Insomnia  Phobia and fear  Claustrophobia  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Negative uncontrolled thoughts  Schizophrenia- unusual thoughts and mental disorders Drug addiction 

There are many reasons for mental or psychiatric disorders- 

Biological factors- brain damage, age, chemical neurotransmitters Psychological factors - stress, coping factor  Social factors - cultural issues, superstitions, lifestyle disorders, financial stress and work-related stress, interpersonal relationships, trauma 

All you need to know about normal mental health 

Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” Normal mental health is cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being. Cognitive means thinking power, behavioral means social well being and emotional means personal well being. As per WHO,” just absence of mental illness does not mean mental well being. Good mental health means our capacity and ability to carry out our functions and activities in day-to-day life. The various abilities are- 

Ability to learn  Ability to feel the Ability to express ourselves Ability to manage emotions  Ability to maintain relationships  Ability to cope with stress.

This helps in good mental health. 

Identify mental health

Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” The ways to identify mental health are - 

Talking to people Staying connected with people  Communicating with people Be in touch with people  Behavioral issue  Irritability  Eating habits  Change in sleeping habits Unnecessary fight  Problems at work  Addiction  Drinking alcohol  Falling grades in children  Fighting with their children  Sleep disturbance  Bedwetting 

Treatment of mental health 

Dr. Sumedha Tiwari informs,” The mental problems can be treated with - 

Talk- Many problems of life are treated with talking. Solve relationship issues  Vent it out  Trust your mental health professional  Maintain healthy lifestyle Healthy diet  Workout regularly  Take a break from work  Do something that you are good at - hobbies  Help others which gives a sense of happiness Consult a health professional 

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)