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Mahesh

10/10/24 09:54 AM IST

Mental health in India’s material world

In News
  • The World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10, brings attention to mental well-being.
  • This day aims to increase understanding, dispel misconceptions, and encourage mental wellness support. 
  • The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is about ‘prioritising mental health in the workplace’.
History
  • World Mental Health Day was founded in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), led by Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter.
  • This was first observed on October 10th when 12 countries participated.
  • The goal of this day is to spread awareness, reduce stigma related to mental health and mobilise global support. 
Mental health in India
  • India is grappling with a mental health epidemic, with millions suffering from disorders such as depression and anxiety.
  • The relentless pressures of urban living, financial instability, and fierce competition are significant contributors.
  • Even those who achieve material success often find that wealth and status do not deliver true well-being.
  • Instead, many feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, experiencing a profound sense of purposelessness.
  • While material wealth provides temporary comfort, it fails to meet deeper emotional and psychological needs.
  • The growing focus on consumerism, particularly in urban areas, has fostered a culture where luxury and conspicuous goods define status.
  • This leads to feelings of inadequacy, stress and social comparison.
  • People chase material wealth for social validation, hoping it will bring lasting happiness, but this pursuit neglects self-awareness.
  • The endless quest for affluence disconnects individuals from the essential elements of a meaningful life — self-awareness, purpose, and meaningful relationships — trapping them in a cycle of dissatisfaction.
  • To break this cycle, we must rethink what constitutes a good life.
  • Current political and economic priorities reinforce the belief that wealth and consumption equate to happiness.
  • This mindset shapes societal norms, encouraging consumption-driven choices that further entrench the mental health crisis. 
Solutions
  • To address this crisis, we must shift focus from individual success to collective well-being.
  • Studies show that strong social connections, supportive communities, and meaningful work are critical to mental health.
  • However, work-life balance and legal protection are increasingly under threat.
  • The socio-political climate in India, where young individuals desperately strive for a consumeristic “good life”, has led to proposals such as extended work hours.
  • For instance, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024 permits employees to work more than 12 hours a day, up to 125 hours in three months.
  • Amid rapid urbanisation and personal achievement, it is essential to remind ourselves of the deeper meaning and purpose in life that can be found through community, joy, and friendship.
  • Examples from other countries offer lessons. In Brazil, community gardens have helped residents reconnect by sharing responsibilities and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Similar initiatives in India could counteract the isolation fostered by urban living and consumerism, bringing people together to create stronger social bonds. 
  • Improving mental health requires embracing community-oriented living that challenges the individualised lifestyle promoted by consumer culture.
  • Modern consumerism equates freedom with personal consumption, weakening social bonds that traditionally held communities together. In contrast, community living fosters a sustainable alternative — shared responsibility, collective purpose, and mutual support create an environment that nurtures emotional and psychological well-being.
  • In community settings, people share resources and experiences, reducing the pressure to compete for individual success.
  • This strengthens social support networks and reintroduces the value of interdependence, where well-being is measured by relationships and contributions to the group rather than personal wealth.
  • Unlike the isolation and comparison promoted by consumer culture, community living fosters empathy, mindfulness, and human connection, providing fulfilment through shared experiences.
  • These environments offer a sense of belonging, purpose, and security, all of which are crucial for reducing stress and mental health issues. 
Way forward
  • Addressing India’s mental health crisis requires rethinking what it means to live a good life.
  • We must challenge the materialistic notion of success and refocus on mental, emotional, and social well-being.
  • The solution lies in adopting alternative pathways that prioritise community and collective action over individual wealth accumulation.
  • Programmes that promote mindfulness, social-emotional learning, community living, and mental health awareness are essential for creating a culture that values mental well-being.
  • Additionally, social policies that reduce inequality and provide mental health support are crucial to address the crisis.
  • A truly good life is not about how much we can buy or achieve, but about how we relate to ourselves, our communities, and our environment.
  • By prioritising community, equity, and mental well-being, we can build a healthier, more connected society where people feel supported and valued.
  • Only by addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis can we pave the way for a more meaningful and fulfilling future for all. 
Source- The Hindu

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