Mental Illness, a “Parallel Pandemic”: Health Expert

Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health and t COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Mental health is defined as a psychological and emotional well-being that allows the subject to use their mental, social, and emotional skills to achieve a better quality of life. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a very important and serious impact on health. In the first place, due to the direct effects of the coronavirus; and secondly, the new-normal impact on all – children, young adults, and senior citizens says Dr. C. Prarthana Saraswathi, Consultant – Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Rela Hospital. In parallel to Covid19, another pandemic has been growing and spreading throughout the world, regardless of the age, gender, or economic level. Its termed Depression – a disease that is often underdiagnosed and under- treated, added Dr C Prarthana

The mental illnesses can lead to serious adverse outcomes if neglected, makes it even more important to recognize and address this problem during these times of the pandemic. Mental illness is not one that most people would want to talk about openly and its is frequently tagged as minor inconveniences only faced by the uber-rich and what’s worse is that Individuals with mental conditions tend to hide their issues due to fear of being looked down upon and judged by a conservative society. Depression and anxiety attacks are less accepted by individual’s that they may be suffering from this problem.

“There is still a belief that mental health is for the mentally ill or people with special needs. But I want to explain that mental health is aimed at the entire population in general, who feel an emotional imbalance in their daily life, whether at home, family, friends, work etc … because human beings are social living beings who we need society to survive and advance in all aspects of life.”, said Dr. C. Prarthana Saraswathi, Consultant – Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Rela Hospital

It is of paramount importance that we communicate within our friends and family and our groups. Some of the other important tasks that we should each follow/practice: Improve self-esteem, communicate better with clarity and face emotional grief. Think in facing and finding newer ways and means to handle and overcome obstacles at work or at school. Most importantly, one must evaluate, identify, diagnose and treat mental illness and special needs. In conclusion, mental health is very important in all human beings, regardless of age, sex, social status, marital status, ethnicity, etc. We all have the right to be heard, to seek solutions to our problems and to obtain a better quality of life, said Dr. C. Prarthana Saraswathi.