Mental health issues have reached epidemic proportions globally, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing societal pressures as individuals face unique challenges—teenagers grapple with academic and social pressures, working professionals endure increasing stress, the elderly suffer from loneliness, and women bear the dual burden of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. Addressing these growing concerns is critical, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday as she stressed on the application of Yoga and Ayurveda in the promotion of mental health and well being.
“The integrative medicine services of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) has been a model for all to examine the applications of Yoga and Ayurveda in the promotion of mental health and well being, and in that treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders,” Murmu said during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Bengaluru-based National Institute of mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).
Underlining the importance of using traditional approaches that are beneficial for all, the President said that “different kinds of meditation are also useful in countering negative mental forces, and I am sure they are being integrated in the mental healthcare models.
“What is noteworthy about these traditional approaches is that they are beneficial for all. The wisdom and life lessons from our ancient sages and seers can help us all develop a spiritual framework within which we can make sense of the ups and downs of life that strain the balance of the mind. Our scriptures tell us that the mind is at the root of everything we perceive in the world,” she said.
She underlined that greater focus on mental health promotions will become even more important in the years ahead.
In the past, issues and concern of mental health had not received enough attention in some societies, the President said, adding that in recent times, awareness about mental health has been rising.
She further said that the unscientific belief and stigma associated with mental illnesses are a matter of past, making it easier for those suffering from various ailments to seek help.
“This has been a welcome development, especially at this juncture, because a variety of mental health issues are taking epidemic proportions around the world. The COVID 19 pandemic in particular led to a spike in such concerns,” Murmu pointed out.
According to the President, working professionals face more stress, and a large number of the elderly people suffer from loneliness due to social challenges.
“Women bearing the burden of domestic responsibilities and caregiving for the family are prone to a range of mental illnesses that usually go unnoticed. However, it is truly heartening to note that the rising awareness has made it possible for patients to open up and share their problems,” she said.
Stating that many organisations have started putting mechanisms in place to respond to such issues, Murmu lauded initiatives of NIMHANS like Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) which facilitates counseling anywhere at any time.
She also appreciated the Institute’s SAMVAD platform which addresses child and adults and mental health problems. The President also stressed upon the healthy marriage, saying it is the foundation of a healthy society.
Expressing her happiness about the gender ratio at NIMHANS, she highlighted that 79.7 per cent of the undergraduate students and 61.4 per cent of postgraduate students are women.
“I believe that women can add a unique perspective in mental health care, in caregiving, as well as in research,” she said.
As part of the celebrations, President Murmu inaugurated several new facilities at NIMHANS, including the Psychiatry Specialty Block, Central Laboratory Complex, and Bhima Hostel, and dedicated cutting-edge diagnostic equipment like the 3T MRI Scanner and DSA System to the nation.
