Mental health issues have been as prevalent as any acute or chronic physical ailments. But, is it taken as seriously as diseases like cancer or heart disease? Most likely not. Mental distress or illness is still taboo, we experience it, and relate to it but acknowledging it still presents a challenge. Good mental health empowers a person to be productive, proactive, and positive towards all aspects of their life. Furthermore, every year 10th October is observed as World Mental Health Day to increase awareness about resources available to improve mental health.

Mental health, in simple terms, is defined as your ability to work, attend social gatherings, and participate in family activities. It also means coping with stress, setbacks, and challenges in your daily life. The most common mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can be effectively managed by making changes in one’s lifestyle. Let us understand the simple ways in which one can help people dealing with mental health disorders.

1. Organising camps

Spreading awareness by organising camps is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health as it can engage a lot of people. Camps can teach you some tricks to improve your mental health by making lifestyle changes, looking out for signs and symptoms, and volunteering. 

Some tricks that may improve mental health include:

• Daily exercise
• Stress-reducing techniques
• Sleep management 
• Healthy lifestyle 

Signs and symptoms can be discussed by:

• Poster presentation of signs like detachment, getting tired easily, and so on
• Talks by professionals

Volunteering can be done at:

• Old age homes
• Institutions of specially-abled people

2. Social media

Social media is one of the fastest ways to share information with thousands of people. We can utilise this to start conversations globally. For example, people can use hashtags #prioritisementalhealth to highlight the need to be aware of the signs of mental health disorders. Tips to deal with mental health disorders can be shared on various social media platforms in the form of posts, videos, blogs, or even personal experiences. The connection on social media can be extremely personal with minimal investment. 

3. Surveys

Surveys are a powerful way to identify how much people know about the topic while providing information to them, simultaneously. For instance, a survey that examines people about mental health can be created and shared on social media. At the end of this survey, another page can be added with facts regarding mental health that would educate the audience. 

4. Videos

Reading hefty PDFs or books can be tiring. Consequently, loads of knowledge gets lost on these pages. Instead, videos can be created which will be both interactive and entertaining, especially for those who don’t enjoy reading. Moreover, animated videos can be designed to include children in this learning experience to improve their emotional well-being.

5. Group activities

Activities like lunch meetings, family get-togethers, and various other hangouts can be arranged frequently to offer people a safe place to talk about their experiences. In addition, games and food can lighten the mood as well as have a positive effect on their emotional well-being. Another way is to organise group activities like bike riding, painting, artwork or reading a book together. When people extend their social circle and do something they love, it tends to improve their mental health. 

6. Practise kindness and compassion

Everyone has their struggles, however, being compassionate to someone can help uplift their mood. Always remember, a single act of kindness goes a long way. 

A simple, heartfelt conversation with an old friend, neighbour, or work colleague can change your and another person’s mental frame. In these challenging times, you must stay in touch with your friends and family. Having a conversation on how one can overcome difficult situations, can help those who are close to you and might be suffering from mental health disorders as well. In light of this year’s theme, each one of us can take the initiative, a small step, so that mental health does not remain taboo anymore.

Consult An Apollo Mental Health Expert

Medically reviewed Dr Sonia Bhatt.