Understanding Mental Health Through Insight and Compassion

Once upon a time in a bustling city, lived Aarav, a young graphic designer known for his creativity and calm demeanor. But over a few months, he started feeling off. He couldn’t concentrate. His colors didn’t blend the same way. He smiled less. Friends noticed but dismissed it as burnout. Aarav himself didn’t understand the shift—until one morning, he sat blank in front of his computer and felt utterly lost. No energy, no ideas, just a fog.

This was his turning point. With encouragement, he sought help and began to understand that mental health isn’t about weakness. It’s about how the brain processes stress, emotions, and perception. Aarav’s journey through therapy and reflection helped him build awareness, resilience, and most importantly—self-compassion. He didn’t just return to normal; he evolved into a wiser version of himself.

Myths and Facts About Mental Health

Myth: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness or character flaw.
Fact: Mental illnesses are influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors—not willpower.

Myth: Only people with severe mental illness need therapy.
Fact: Therapy benefits anyone. It supports emotional regulation, stress management, and growth.

Myth: Mental health conditions are incurable.
Fact: Many are treatable. People can recover or manage symptoms effectively.

Myth: Seeking help means taking medication.
Fact: Treatment is individualized and may involve therapy, lifestyle changes, or support systems.

Myth: Talking about mental health makes things worse.
Fact: Open conversation reduces stigma and helps healing.

Myth: People with mental health conditions are dangerous.
Fact: They are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

Myth: Teenagers don’t experience mental health problems.
Fact: Many mental health conditions begin by adolescence.

Myth: Mental health problems are rare.
Fact: They are common and affect a large portion of the population.

Myth: Only those with issues need mental health care.
Fact: Everyone benefits from nurturing mental wellbeing.

Key Statistics

• Global (2019): 970 million people lived with a mental disorder.
• India: 60-70 million experience mental disorders.
• Age of Onset: 50% begin by age 14; 75% by age 24.
• COVID-19 Impact: Increased anxiety and depression.
• Suicide Rate: India sees over 2.6 lakh suicides annually.
• Economic Loss (India, 2012–2030): Estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
• Treatment Gap: Most don’t have access to effective treatments.
• Stigma: A major barrier to mental health care.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health shapes how we think, feel, act, relate, and handle stress. It is as essential as physical health.

According to WHO:

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community.”

Good mental health is linked to:

• Improved learning
• Creativity
• Higher productivity
• Stronger relationships
• Good physical health
• Longer life expectancy

Mental health is also influenced by:

• Brain functionality (observation, reasoning, imagination)
• Life lenses (the perception filters shaped by upbringing and belief)
• Emotional balance (ability to manage feelings and thoughts)

The Mental Health Continuum

Our mental health isn’t static. It moves along a continuum depending on our circumstances and internal responses.

1. Healthy

“I feel capable and clear-headed.”

• Feelings: Confident, stable
• Thoughts: Hopeful, focused
• Connections: Positive engagement
• Routines: Healthy habits
• Functioning: Productive, purposeful

Action: Maintain routines, stay connected, be mindful.

2. Unsettled

“I’m not myself. Things feel off.”

• Feelings: Irritable, restless
• Thoughts: Doubt, confusion
• Connections: Difficulty engaging
• Routines: Sleep/appetite changes
• Functioning: Low motivation

Action: Speak with friends or GP. Practice self-care. Use low-intensity therapies.

“In this stage, our observation and reasoning may be impaired. We justify emotions without clear insight. Awareness is key.”

3. Struggling

“I feel hopeless. I’m withdrawing.”

• Feelings: Distress, emotional turbulence
• Thoughts: Brain fog, despair
• Connections: Isolation
• Routines: Destructive behaviors
• Functioning: Difficulty coping

Action: Seek professional support. Practice emotional grounding.

“At this point, emotional overwhelm clouds reasoning. It’s not weakness—it’s neurological exhaustion. Support is essential.”

4. In Crisis

“I feel worthless and can’t think clearly.”

• Feelings: Overwhelmed
• Thoughts: Uncontrollable negativity
• Connections: Total isolation
• Routines: Personal care deteriorates
• Functioning: Nearly impossible

Action: Immediate professional support, family help, crisis lines.

“In crisis, the right frontal lobe’s imagination shuts down. It’s not about logic—it’s about survival. Compassionate intervention saves lives.”

5. Healing

“I’m regaining balance and clarity.”

• Feelings: More stable, hopeful
• Thoughts: Clearer, confident
• Connections: Rebuilding relationships
• Routines: Returning habits
• Functioning: Renewed motivation

Action: Maintain progress, forgive relapses, continue therapies.

“Healing isn’t a return to who you were—it’s an evolution into who you can be.”

6. Renewed Health

“I feel resilient and self-aware.”

• Feelings: Grounded, strong
• Thoughts: Self-managed
• Connections: Boundaries, support
• Routines: Strengthened
• Functioning: Confident, purposeful

Action: Build support systems. Keep self-care at the center. Plan for future challenges.

“True strength is not avoiding pain but transforming through it.” –

Final Thoughts

Mental health is a journey—one that involves biology, psychology, society, and spirituality. It isn’t linear. With insight, support, and compassion, anyone can move from crisis to clarity, from pain to purpose.

Let Aarav’s story be a reminder: Your feelings are valid. Your healing is possible. And your mental health is worth investing in—every single day.

 Sameena Mushtaq Shah is an Assistant Professor, GDC, Pulwama