May- A month is known for celebrating Mental Health Awareness. But the question is how are we celebrating in India? Do we really understand the concept behind Mental Fitness?
Do you know: On average people with serious mental illness, such as psychosis or depression, dies 10 to 17 years earlier than the general population.
In our school or college life, we learn about different subjects, theories or laws, and many extra-curricular activities. However, one of the major subjects that we under-estimate or not being taught to us is “Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being”. Don’t you think it is an essential aspect of our daily life, especially student life? Are the lives of students really happy go lucky or stress- free?
Well, let’s highlight some stages of student life that somehow lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, panic, stress, bad habits, etc. which can become a slow poison.
1. Scoring marks that can meet the expectations of parents:
Many children thrive on meeting the expectation of their parents, and similarly, parents impose their dreams or expectations on their children. Unfortunately, this doesn’t lead to a bright future rather it limits the ability of children and creates a wall of agony, low-esteem, fear, hopelessness, guilt, emptiness in their minds.
People should understand and accept that every individual is different with different capabilities, and a different mindset. A single sheet of paper or exam can’t decide our future.
“Never judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”
2. Choosing the right stream: Every individual has their own strength and weakness. Many of the times children opt for a stream under the influence of friends or family without proper knowledge or awareness of their own potential. Choosing a stream should not feel like pressure rather an excitement to learn something new.
This can be achieved with proper support from parents, guardians, teachers, siblings as well as friends. In the end, the only thing we need to think about is our own potential, the scope of knowledge, and undoubtedly the curiosity to learn those subjects.
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere”.
3. Bullying:
Yes, bullying still happens and children intentionally and unintentionally do this. Is it right to judge anyone based on their weight, height, complexion, marks, etc.? Bullying can really affect the mental growth of a child. Surprisingly, often teachers and parents aren’t even aware of these kinds of behaviors and actions. Or do we ignore it?
It is the responsibility of the teachers, parents, and fellow students as well not to impel it and stop the nuisance right on the spot. A healthy mind does not speak ill of others therefore we should try to help the victim as well as the bully and guide both of them positively.
“Nobody can’t define our true-self, It is what we do that defines us.”
4. Comparison between their own children and cousins or relatives:
Comparison is the poison that always leads to misunderstandings or arguments and makes them feel a sense of failure.
Rather than comparing, we should help them find their potential and then create an environment where this potential can flourish.
“Every kid is a flower, let them have their own time and way to blossom”
5. Teenage Relationships:
Teenage is the life in which we attract new flaws, new beginnings, and new hardships. A relationship is one of the phases of a teenager's life. May it be any relationship like parent-child or a love relationship, etc. Sometimes it can turn out to be a beautiful phase of life and sometimes it can be really worst. It’s just we need to keep in mind to detox our self by letting the toxic people walk away from our life.
“Sometimes goods things fall apart so better things can fall together”
Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help and brave enough to ask for it. Let’s not struggle alone in silence, let’s be brave enough to seek for help.
sdnls