08/10/2020
The definition of the term mental health, according to WHO is,“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Why are conversations about the mental well being of people important?
Since the start of the pandemic mental health has been a crisis that needs to be spoken about. Anxiety calls to helplines are on a rise, and the ratio of professionals may not be able to cope up with this.
According to reports from the Indian Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country needs around 13,000 psychiatrists. To achieve an ideal ratio of psychiatrists to the population is about 1: 8000 to 10,000 but currently has just about 3,500 - which is about one psychiatrist for over 2 lakh people! (In 2018).
To close this gap, awareness and open conversations can be a powerful tool. Ekya encourages you to have these conversations with your friends and family, and grow as a community!
