Don't feel ashamed to talk about mental health

The world has just celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10.
This day is a result of a global advocacy and awareness programme started by the World Federation for Mental Health way back in 1992.
We have come a long way.
The goal is clear - to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilise efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.
This year's theme is 'Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.'
Even after marking the day for more than three decades, many of us are still shy of being judged and would never think of actually seeking help. The impact is huge because it affects our daily life, relationships, and professional path.
A physical ailment gets immediate attention, but the invisible mental health issues are addressed much later, especially when signs are more visible.
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act.
On one end of the scale is the different variety of stresses that tend to come at us unexpectedly, and on the other side is our urge to be successful and meaningful in life.
While some step out to seek help, others tend to suffer silently.
Will mental healthcare be a reality for people worldwide?
Each year, different topics have been addressed, such as this year, mental health in humanitarian crises, mental health at work, mental health as a universal human right, making mental health and well-being for all a global priority, etc. In 2019, the theme was 'focus on suicide prevention.' There have been incidences of suicide cases amongst expatriates where no one had even noticed signs of depression in them.
Oceans Healthcare shared some tips to stay healthy mentally by making exercise part of our routine, as research shows exercise can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Most importantly, set realistic expectations. For individuals who are struggling with low energy and motivation, consider starting slow with a 5-minute daily walk because apparently this is a good way to get your body moving, and it is easy to slowly increase the activity level as confidence builds.
They also recommend meditation to reduce stress. Studies suggest meditation can help with stress and anxiety.
Taking social media breaks is a must because social media use has been linked to depression and anxiety. 'From comparison culture leading to lower self-esteem to the constant stream of negative news, social media may have a bigger effect on your daily mental health than you think. Try taking regular breaks, even if it’s just for a couple of days at a time,' noted the organisation. The most important part is to ask for help.
According to Oceans Healthcare, mental health challenges increase the urge to isolate, but this will only worsen these feelings in the long term. They added that talking about your feelings can be a great way to understand and address the root cause.
According to the WHO, nearly one in seven people in the world lives with a mental disorder. If not treated, life can be disrupted. But the reality is that not everyone has access to care.
We might be familiar with depression and anxiety, but there are other disorders such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, etc. Eating disorders are also part of mental disorders, namely, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
According to the WHO, although most people are resilient, 'People who are exposed to adverse circumstances such as poverty, violence, disability, and inequality are at higher risk.'
With so much to know and understand, people with friends who are good listeners tend to be better off. Maybe we all should learn to recognise the signs of depression in each other.
At least, they are not lonely.

Lakshmi Kothaneth The writer is a senior editor of Observer