Mental Health Awareness


Your mental health is more important than anything else. Do nothing that costs your mental peace. You must try to keep yourself happy and contented. If you are unable to do so, seek professional help. Mental illnesses are real medical problems that need your attention. On the day of mental health awareness, we did an ask session with a renowned psychiatrist of Pakistan, Dr. Anil Kumar. Here is his precious advice for all of you. 


A Session With Dr. Anil Kumar on Mental Health


1. What is the most common complaint people report to you with?


The most common complaint of people coming to me and different psychiatrists is depression, and the second one is anxiety. 


2. Why do you think the rate of suicide is increasing day by day?


The rate of suicide is directly related to depression that is increasing day by day among people due to issues like:

  • Bad childhood events 
  • Bad parenting techniques
  • Relationship issues
  • Life issues like being a single parent, unemployment, lack of resources, not getting a good job after studying a long time, increasing inflation, and poverty
  • Genetic tendency- if someone has a family history of depression or suicide, there are higher chances that the person may commit suicide
  • Health issues like diabetes, cancers, amputations, disabilities, etc

All these things play a role in pushing a person into depression, which eventually leads to suicide. Depressed people feel that there is no use of their presence, they feel hopeless, helpless, and constantly sad. Due to which they think that their life is of no use, it is better to end it.


3. If someone does not agree to go to a healthcare provider for mental health issues, how can we convince them to go to a psychiatrist?


First, we need to figure out why the person is reluctant to visit a healthcare provider. If they are doing it due to social pressure and stigma, then it is essential to give them awareness. The family of the patient must talk to them, they should be informed about the consequences of depression. The friends and family must tell the patient about the importance of mental health.

Our society needs to get educated about how important it is to seek professional help for a mental issue like depression and anxiety.


View More: What Is Stress Disorder And How Can You Get Rid of It


The family of the patient plays a major role in convincing them. They should try their level best to take the patient to a psychiatrist. If the patient does not agree to go to a psychiatrist, then take them to a psychologist or a general physician who is an expert at dealing with mental health issues. In this way, the patients will be able to get the right treatment.


However, in some cases, patients are out of their mind, they are unable to make any decision for themselves. In this case, the family is responsible for the mental health of the patient. We ask the family members to take any action on the behalf of the patient.


4. What is the most common cause of depression among the people of Pakistan nowadays?


The most common reason for depression nowadays is the outbreak of coronavirus. People are going out, but fear has surrounded them. They perceive mild flu or cough as COVID-19 and start panicking. Moreover, due to the pandemic, people have to stay away from their loved ones. They are not able to meet their family members, not able to talk to them in person, and speak their heart out.


Also, other impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are an increased rate of unemployment, increased poverty, downsizing, lack of resources. Relationship issues are also a common problem due to the coronavirus outbreak since people have to spend a lot of time together at their homes, this leads to aggression and frustration. 


5. How do you think social media and video games are affecting the younger generation?


First of all, we need to make a point clear that everything has both aspects, positive, as well as negative. How you use it decides either you keep it for a good purpose, or bad. If children use social media and games under the supervision of parents and elder siblings, with a designated time, it would not harm them. Parents must also check the type of content their kids are viewing.


If it is violent, children would become aggressive and frustrated. In the growing age of children, their mind is learning so many things, therefore, you must keep an eye on the type of content they watch. Another thing is that losing games is promoting a guilty attitude among children. They feel frustrated and dejected upon losing just a game. 


Conclusion

our session on mental health awareness has shed light on crucial aspects of well-being. Let's continue these conversations and actions to support each other's mental health journey. Together, we can create a more understanding and compassionate society.


 Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.