October 10 is observed as World Mental Health Day with the overall objective to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, mental health has taken a beating.  Society's abject denial of mental health issues compounded by the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic has made the situation worse.
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.
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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