Page 20 - RGIC Vibes

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

MATTERS

Mental Health Awareness - FAQs

Q1. Everyone is talking about depression, anxiety, stress etc. What does mental health exactly
01 mean?
Mental health is a part of our physical health and overall well-being. It depends on environmental, genetic
and social factors and looks di erent for di erent people. Our mental well-being moves along a spectrum
depending on what is happening for us in our lives at that moment. The stress that we experience can
manifest as anxiety, depression, chronic ailments or behavioural problems. The World Health Organisation
has defined it holistically, saying that ‘mental health is not just the absence of illness but a state where we
can realise our abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute
meaningfully to the community.’

Q2. What do mental health problems look like?
02 Mental health problems can look like emotional disturbances, unexplained changes in sleep/appetite/

behaviour, unexplained aches and pains, lack of concentration, increased mood swings, increased
interpersonal conflicts, reduced frustration tolerance, changes due to a medical condition, medication or
substance dependency, or any unusual behaviour. If left unaddressed, over time, these concerns are likely
to adversely a ect our daily functioning at work and in life and ultimately, our well-being.

Q3. How can we support ourselves or others if we notice warning signs?
03 The first step is to eliminate the stigma by normalising stress and mental health concerns. We all have a
mind and are likely to experience a mental health concern at some point. If we notice any of these
symptoms in ourselves there’s no shame in speaking openly about it and accepting that it is not a sign of
weakness to seek help. We don’t have to wait for a concern to become severe before reaching out. It is
also important to appreciate ourselves and take a break when we need to. Whenever we notice any of the
above symptoms in a close loved one, we need to create a safe space where they can open up about their
experience. We must encourage them to reach out for professional help i.e. talk to a doctor or counselor
to address their concerns. We can also extend support by sharing the workload, communicating
respectfully, and simply listening without giving advice.

Q4. What are some typical ‘bad habits’ at work and home that are detrimental to mental health?

04 Let’s look at what good habits we can cultivate. We undermine the importance of adequate sleep, a
healthy diet, su cient hydration and regular exercise - all these are crucial for our mental health. Apart
from this, we need to take regular breaks to rejuvenate, practice ‘switching o ’ from tasks and gadgets for
a few hours a week, engage in relaxation or leisure activities, avoid comparing our achievements with
others or harshly judging ourselves for failures. Technology has taken over the space we had for human
conversations - talking about our day with a friend or trusted person is helpful.

Q6. There is lot of anxiety or fear amongst the citizens regarding COVID-19. What are the ways in which
05 one can maintain mental health and well-being during this tough time?
It is important to slow down and adapt to changes at a pace comfortable to you. Know that it is ‘normal’
and ‘okay’ if you don’t seem to be functioning at your optimum level at the moment – universally, we are

*For Internal Circulation Only