IS YOUR LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2019, 1 in 8 people or 970 million people, globally, live with a mental health disorder.[1]
Most prevalent of them were anxiety and depressive disorders.[1] The numbers increased, with the pandemic ravaging nations across the world. Consequently, symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression, increased by around 25% and 28%, respectively.[2]
Closer home, Tamil Nadu tops the list for disability caused due to depressive disorders.[3] The impact of anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was also high.[3]
SO, WHAT DO THESE DISMAL NUMBERS MEAN TO US?
Could a friend, co-worker or loved one be among those in anguish? Sadly, Yes.
While certain conditions may be obvious, many aren’t. The world of social networking and newer technologies has increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, multifold. Many battling mental health conditions suffer in silence due to lack of awareness and stigma. That person could be- the neighbor who waves to you every day, the domestic help who gives you a bright smile, the grumpy vegetable vendor, the successful yet finicky CEO, the person you bumped into in the elevator, a relative who never leaves home, a team member, your insurance agent, or someone you dearly love- parent, spouse, sibling, child. It could absolutely be ANYONE.