World Mental Health Day: Breaking stigma, bettering lives

Sometimes, in the dead of night, I wake up and find myself bathed in sweat, still trapped in the haunting memories of my college days when I was bullied. I have to remind myself, almost like a mantra, that I am no longer that timid introvert navigating the treacherous waters of my past.

Eighteen years ago, during my college days, the world around me had lost all its colours. I was in the midst of a dark phase that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. The childhood friends I trusted had turned into foes while college bullies seemed relentless in their pursuit to torment me. My classmates felt I wasn’t cool enough to hang out with. I can still recall the echoes of their cruel and cutting laughter as they pointed fingers at me and my awkwardness. It was a time when the weight of loneliness pressed down on me, suffocating my usual buoyant spirit.

But life improved: I stand here today, sharing this story without a hint of shame because I asked for help. World Mental Health Day, celebrated globally on October 10th each year, has since gained profound significance in my life. It has been a beacon of hope, reminding me that seeking help was not a sign of weakness but an act of immense courage.

World Mental Health Day urges us to collectively work to break the stigma that keep people like me silent and isolated. So lets try and understand the importance of this day and the powerful impact it has on reshaping the narratives of countless lives.

Breaking the silence

World Mental Health Day, celebrated globally, is more than just another date on the calendar. It’s a day when people across the world try to break the stigma surrounding mental health. When we start talking about things that ail us, we start finding solutions.

For me, it became the day when I started to share the value of therapy with others. After seeking help myself and realising that it was not a sign of weakness but strength, I learnt to advocate its benefits.

It is now a day when I decidedly silence the echoes of my past and speak up about my struggles to people I care for.

Empowering conversations

One of the most powerful aspects of World Mental Health Day is the conversations it sparks. It starts as an icebreaker and slowly encourages people to share their experiences, if any. Friends and family also take it as a cue to offer support and foster empathy towards their loved ones. These conversations help normalise the discussion around mental health, making it easier for individuals to reach out for guidance.

It is important to remember that for a very long time in our societies, the subject of mental health has been considered taboo, making the lives of those who suffer even worse. Empowering conversations is the first step to bringing respite to them.

Raising awareness

Often, we want to support our friends or family when they are struggling with mental health challenges, but we don’t know how or what. World Mental Health Day serves as an effective platform to raise awareness about various mental health issues. Through real and virtual mediums, one can access information that shed light on mental health conditions that are often misunderstood or overlooked. From depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder to schizophrenia, this day educates the public about the innumerable challenges that one might deal with.

With more awareness comes normalisation of mental health challenges and solutions become easier to find.

Promoting resources

Access to resources is crucial for anyone facing mental health issues. This global day emphasises the need of quick availability of mental health services, hotlines and support groups for those in need.

It’s a call to action – for help to be just a call or click away. World Mental Health Day urges the development of a network of professionals and peers ready to offer assistance, no matter how blue one feels in whichever part of the world.

Ending the isolation

The isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles can be overwhelming. World Mental Health Day reminds us that we are not alone in our battles. It encourages individuals to reach out to friends, family or mental health professionals in their time of crisis. It also teaches the allies to be better equipped at understanding such struggles.

By ensuring our loved ones do not isolate themselves knowingly or unknowingly, we foster a sense of community and understanding. We also make sure that our dear ones aren’t suffering silently, that we are looking out for them.

Hope for tomorrow

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of this day is the hope it brings to those suffering. It reassures them that there is a path to recovery and that a brighter future awaits. It serves as a lamp for those who may be lost in the darkness of their own minds.

Today, I share my story without a hint of shame. My past no longer defines me. The weight of loneliness has lifted and I have found strength in my precious vulnerability. World Mental Health Day has played an important role in reshaping the narratives of countless lives, including mine. It has shown me that healing is possible. By breaking the stigma, we can create a world where mental health is a priority, not a taboo. So, as the world comes together on this day, let us remember that our collective efforts can make a difference. By raising awareness and showing our support, we can offer hope and help to those who need it most.