Views

Health is defined as the state of being free from any illness or injury. So, does that mean that a person with no visible injury or disease is absolutely healthy? Is a person unhealthy only when diagnosed by a doctor? Or is there something more to it?

As a matter of fact, yes, there is a lot more to it. In India, mental illnesses such as Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, etc. were not even recognized up until 1995 under Section 2 (i) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act. But again, is that all? Let’s say a person is suffering from no physical/mental disease but has been trying to make ends meet at work and personal life and is henceforth stressed. Can we call such a person healthy or more precisely, mentally healthy? 

No, we cannot. Mental health is not just about being free  from any serious mental illness. It comprises of the overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being of a person. Just like physical health, mental health also plays a vital role throughout the course of life. Agents such as biological factors, life experiences, and family history have a serious impact on it. 

Effective mental health increases productivity helps one in dealing with basic life stresses, exploiting their full potential, and having a positive and meaningful outlook towards life.

For this, one should be aware of signs such as eating too much or too little, a disoriented sleep cycle, having less energy than usual, isolation, and other similar symptoms. If going through all of this, the person should seek professional help if needed, should indulge in physical activities like exercising or playing a sport, and should always try to stay positive.

Mental health is as important as physical health. And not looking after it can give rise to other diseases too. Hence, it is indispensable to be aware of its significance and lead a happy and healthy life.

**This blog and all its content, including images, are submitted by students under the Youth Voices Fellowship.**