New Delhi, Oct 10
Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday urged the need to prioritise our emotional and mental well-being and to open conversation about mental health.
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
“Today, we observe World Mental Health Day, which reminds us to prioritise our emotional and mental well-being. This day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health,†Nadda said, in a post shared on the social media platform X.
Based on this year's theme, the Health Minister urged boosting mental health in times of humanitarian emergencies. He also called for increasing timely access to mental health services for all people.
“This year’s theme, 'Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies', highlights the need to ensure support systems are available during emergencies. Let us work together to build a society that promotes care, understanding, and timely access to mental health services for all,†Nadda said.
The Ministry of Ayush called for prioritising mental well-being today and every day with “accessible, integrative ayush careâ€.
The Ministry promoted “holistic wellness through Ayurvedic practices including yoga, meditation, and balanced nutritionâ€.
“Embrace mindful living and disciplined routines for a healthier mind and a healthier life,†it added on X.
According to the latest data by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 crore people globally live with a mental health disorder, and women account for over 53 per cent.
It showed that anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common types of mental health disorders among both men and women. However, women are disproportionately impacted overall. Overall, more females (581.5 million) than males (513.9 million) live with a mental disorder.
Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty stressed that well-being is imperative and not a luxury. She also urged women to take courage and ask for help.
“On #WorldMentalHealthDay, I am sending a message of hope and strength to all women. It is essential to recognise that on the path to emotional well-being, you do not have to walk alone and that recovery is always possible,†Murty said on X.
“Our well-being is not a luxury; it is the cornerstone of a happy home. There is immense courage in asking for support. Let today be the day we embrace our strength and take that brave first step towards healing,†she added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but where are the affordable mental health services? In smaller cities, there are hardly any qualified therapists. Government needs to invest in mental health infrastructure, not just make statements.
As an Indian woman, I really appreciate Sudha Murty's message. Women bear so much emotional burden in our society - managing home, work, family expectations. Her words "there is immense courage in asking for support" are so true 💖
The Ayush ministry's approach combining yoga and meditation with mental health is brilliant! Our ancient practices can complement modern therapy. Started doing 15 minutes of meditation daily and it's made a huge difference in managing work stress.
Working in India for 3 years now, I've noticed the stigma around mental health is slowly reducing. But we need more workplace mental health programs. The corporate pressure here is intense!
The statistics about women being more affected are worrying but not surprising. We need more women-friendly mental health services and awareness programs in local languages. Mental health should be part of school curriculum too!
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