In the contemporary world, mental health is a subject that is often discussed and verily being talked about regardless of age and gender. Once shrouded in stigma and taboo, it has transformed into an essential responsibility—to routinely inquire about the well-being of our peers in their daily lives. Past generations had a bottleneck approach towards the call of help by someone who is demanding psychological support, to the limit where someone on the demanding end could be easily labelled and targeted with colloquial slurs such as ‘pagal, deewana, and sarphira’ amongst others. This led to an artificial drenching of society for the ones in need and even for the ones who wanted to step forward.
Slowly and steadily, the modernisation of society’s fabric and ground took its course and the changemakers pushed the people to be sceptical of their cultural connotative speech and prejudices of the past, thus inspiring the scientific temperament among the youth. This renaissance in behavioural exchanges made it easy for people to come out of their drenches and bud & bloom in the free air— but the taboo continues to persist.
We have still not surpassed and overcome the barriers that lie in the midst of having open and heartfelt conversations on mental health. The lingering stigma surrounding mental health hinders individuals from seeking the support and understanding they desperately need. The fear of being labelled as ‘weak’ or ‘crazy’ continues to discourage individuals from speaking up about their mental health struggles, leading to a culture of silence and isolation. Adding to this burden are the societal expectations of always appearing ‘strong’ and ‘put-together’, perpetuating the idea that seeking help is a sign of failure.
Having said that, it’s been almost a decade and a half, I believe since the understanding has started developing and there is much we owe to catalysts such as social media and mass media. Social media has acted like a community hall or rather a support group where one can move forward with a state of sufficient acceptance. But this ignites and gives the spark to multiple questions and the multifold nuances attached to them. Is the topic still lacking valid evidence to be acknowledged and accepted by society as a part of normal human life? The conscience of the common masses plays a pivotal role in harbouring harmonious arrangements for those who are still looming around in the shadow of denial and mistrust.
However, if we directly engage with the lawmakers or the representatives of the people, we cease to find pouring considerations. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, has garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, solidifying its reputation for excellence in addressing mental illness. The act itself brought a lot of attention to the decades-long undercurrent of requests coming from psychiatric institutions. However, the heat didn’t last long as the provisions were only available to those who were seriously ill, in need of assistance from outside sources, or who had entirely lost their ability to make sensible choices. Provisions in the act involve a tedious path of bureaucratic approvals and legal stakeholders, which at times, delays the necessary treatment required by the patient.
One can question, demand, or even zero down on government or legislation but cannot deny the fact that ideally, such a change should begin from education and academia. We must recognise the importance of mental health and ensure that preemptive measures are taken at the level of educational institutions. The rise in suicide among the students is at an all-time high and in response, the efforts made by the academicians, educationists, and teachers are limited to those belonging to the urbanscape and mostly accessible only by a certain privileged class. Let alone the privileged, even the premier institutes of the country are not doing too well when it comes to helping students and preventing suicides.
As per the government data, about a hundred students who committed suicide over the last five years were from the country’s IITs and IIMs. The lingering question remains: What is the solution?
The only workable answer to this haunting question is community outreach by academia and institutions. It is time that institutions start contributing to community outreach to assist the younger generations who are the future of tomorrow. Places of academia must lead community engagement programs if they are to effectively treat mental health issues. To offer urgent aid to students in need, it is imperative that institutions set up support groups, counselling programs, and helplines. Our youth needs to feel safe and included to succeed academically and personally and fostering such a space for them is the least we can do.
Educational institutions can also inform and engage the staff, parents, and students about the value of mental health by organising workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. This also raises the urgent demand for establishing clear rules and policies to assist mental health as educational hubs lay the foundation and serve as the key environment for students’ growth and development. In schools and colleges, legislation can guarantee the availability of resources, staff training, and the implementation of mental health programs. This can promote and create a friendly environment that fosters the well-being of all students and employees while prioritising their mental health.
Institutions of higher learning must reach outside the walls of their campuses and strengthen their community outreach initiatives by working in tandem with neighbourhood NGOs, healthcare providers, and mental health organisations. Educational institutions can reduce the stigma associated with mental health and promote an open dialogue by planning events, collaborating with community centres, and interacting with families. They can guarantee that resources and support are available to everyone through such programs, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, and that they are here to help.
These thoughtful actions will not only benefit those who need it, but will also raise awareness among the general public, and help lower misperceptions surrounding mental health and its related conditions. Given that this problem is not restricted to any single group, gender, or age group in society, it can affect anyone. By putting mental health first, we can coexist and live in a society that cares for all and is constantly on the go to ensure the betterment of the larger community. It is time to acknowledge that mental health is an essential component of education, and it must be our key goal to take proactive measures for a better future and world.
Prof of Eminence (Dr.) Sanjeev P. Sahni is the Vice President of the World Society of Victimology. He is also the Founder and Principal Director at Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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