We channel all our energies on our physical health but delude ourselves that mental health will happen organically with zero or minimal effort. Nothing is more crucial than mental wellness for man’s overall well-being. A society which has a tendency to shoo away any mention of mental health is now staring at an acute crisis compounded by the ‘psychological impact’ of the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Mental Health Survey reported that about 10 percent of adults meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health condition (ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to severe mental illness). The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that nearly 200 million people in India have experienced a mental disorder, nearly half of whom suffer from depressive or anxiety disorders. India accounts for more than a third of the female suicides globally, nearly a fourth of all male suicides, and suicide has been the leading cause of death in young Indians.
Despite much progress, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, which stifles conversation and a much needed public dialogue and exploration into the mental wellbeing of a rapidly growing population.
Arunachal Pradesh has also witnessed growing cases of suicide over the past several years especially among the youth. The ‘feeling of worthlessness’ in today’s youth is heightened as the world is getting increasingly competitive. 
Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just can’t see one.
Society needs to understand the importance of mental health and treat mental health issues as they would treat any physical ailment. Normalising a visit to a psychiatrist and not pushing mental conditions under the rug is the only way to fight this battle.
State government must spend more on mental healthcare alongside the health budget more so now as surveys show that due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns rate of depression and anxiety is much higher. There is a need for community-oriented mental healthcare so that affected individuals receive care for their mental health conditions. Setting up helpline and assistance programmes along with confidential counselling services will help save many precious lives. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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