Article: Chandima Jayawardana

Design : Sayuri Wijesekara

Rediscovering Light in the Shadows - A Journey to Mental Wellness

            

                Mental health is an integral part of our lives, including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It shapes our thoughts, emotions, actions, and interactions with the world around us. Throughout our journey from childhood, through the challenges of adolescence, and into adulthood, mental health remains a constant companion.

If we go to an illustration to make it more clear, mental health is like a canvas, painted with the colors of our life experiences, which in turn influence our thoughts, moods, and behaviors. This way, many factors, including biological elements like genes and brain chemistry, life experiences such as trauma and abuse, and family history can affect one’s mental health. They can either be mild or severe, or somewhere in between, and the spectrum of mental health conditions is vast, covering a multitude of disorders. Examples include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Each condition is unique, affecting individuals in distinct ways. It's crucial to understand that a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is not a matter of choice, weakness, or character flaw, but it's a genuine challenge that can definitely be overcome.

Recognizing early warning signs is paramount in this process. Identifying mental health issues early can enable one to address them before they start taking a toll. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, withdrawal from social activities, and feelings of hopelessness are some signs that can serve as indicators. Acknowledging these signs is essential for oneself to seek help and support. Even if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, the most important thing to know is that you have hope. Effective treatments are there with a massive support system, and this can create a pathway to a fulfilling life, one that is free from the burdens of mental health disorders.

You Are Not Alone

The first step in your journey towards mental well-being is to acknowledge that you are not alone in your journey. There are millions of people around the world grappling with mental health issues. WHO suggested in 2019 that 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder. It's a common part of the human experience, and there is no shame in seeking help or support when needed. The realization that you are not alone can provide immense comfort and a source of hope.

Whether you're aware of it or not, numerous supportive communities are available to provide you with the support you need. Some of them are listed below for you.

• Help Lines - 1926 (National Mental Health Helpline which is dedicated to 24/7, free and confidential support by phone and text message)

• Free Telephone Counseling Services (for example 1333 – CCCline)

• Online Support Systems (https://srilankasumithrayo.lk)

You can contact them and talk anonymously, free of charge most of the time.

The Power of Treatment

There are many effective treatments available for various mental health conditions. These treatments often involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication can help stabilize imbalances in brain chemistry, while psychotherapy provides the tools and coping strategies needed to manage symptoms. It's essential to work closely with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your unique situation.

E-services have also been introduced that provide a secure space for you and your doctor to interact, without letting others know that you seek help. This is mostly because, many people tend to be hesitating in seeking help due to the fear of judgment, labeling, and potential humiliation of being labeled as someone with a mental illness.

But, when we look at the statistics on mental health disorders, it becomes clear just how widespread they are. In the United States, it's estimated that 1 out of every 4 adults has a diagnosable mental disorder. But it's not just in the U.S. The World Health Organization (WHO) tells us that in 2019, a staggering 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder. That's approximately 1 in every 8 people on the planet. This data highlights how common mental health issues are.

However, it's essential to note that in many developing countries, there's still a significant stigma surrounding mental health. Some view it as something to be ashamed of. But the reality is that mental health disorders affect not just one or two individuals, but millions. When you think about it, one in every eight people experiencing these challenges makes it clear that there's no reason to be ashamed at all. Understanding this simple math can go a long way in helping communities distinguish what should and shouldn't be a source of shame.

You Can Live a Happy Life

Mental health challenges should never be seen as a sentence that defines your future. With the right treatment and support, leading a fulfilling life is not only possible but achievable. Countless individuals who have confronted mental illness have not only recovered but gone on to realize their dreams, nurture meaningful relationships, and discover genuine happiness.

On World Mental Health Day and every day, it's crucial that we collectively acknowledge the significance of mental well-being, by spreading awareness, extending compassion, and offering honest support to those navigating the maze of mental health challenges. In this shared journey, let empathy be our guiding star, uniting us all in the mission to build a world where mental health is cherished, not hidden, and where every soul shines with the brilliance of hope. Rewriting the narrative of mental health, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles, let’s create a world where the shadows of stigma dissipate, and the light of understanding and support reigns supreme, not just on World Mental Health Day, but each and every day.

_Chandima Jayawardana_