What is Importance of Mental Health Awareness?

Nowadays, everyone is talking about mental health and making efforts to understand and improve it. However, many people struggle due to inconsistency or misunderstandings about what mental health truly entails. To shed light on this important topic, let's explore a simple and relatable story about a teenager named Antaru. Through his curiosity and conversations with his parents, we'll uncover the fundamental aspects of mental health and learn practical ways to nurture it in our everyday lives.

Antaru was a curious teenager who loved to read and learn about new things. One day, he came across a short article on mental health in a magazine. It mentioned how mental health was crucial for overall well-being, and this attracted his interest. However, the article was brief and left him with more questions than answers.

The following weekend, Antaru was sitting in the hall, waiting for breakfast. His father, Mr. Kumar, was reading the newspaper, and his mother, Mrs. Kumar, was in the kitchen.Antaru: "Dad, can I ask you something?"

Mr. Kumar: "Of course, son. What's on your mind?"  

Antaru: "I read an article about mental health, but I didn’t really understand everything. Can you explain what it means and why it’s important?" 

Mr. Kumar put down his newspaper and motioned for Mrs. Kumar to join them. She brought breakfast and sat down beside Antaru.   

Mr. Kumar: "Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. It’s just as important as physical health. When our mental health is good, it helps us handle stress, relate to others, and make good choices."  

Mrs. Kumar: "Let me give you an example. Imagine you have a friend who is always happy and fun to be around. That’s a sign of good mental health. But if your friend starts feeling sad or angry all the time, they might need some help with their mental health."  

Antaru: "So, it’s about feelings and emotions?"  

Mr. Kumar: "Yes, but it’s more than that. Good mental health helps you deal with life’s challenges. For example, when you get a bad grade, it’s normal to feel upset. But if you have good mental health, you can bounce back quickly and try harder next time."  

Mrs. Kumar: "It also affects how you interact with others. If you're feeling good mentally, you can communicate better and build stronger relationships. It’s like when you play with your friends – if you're in a good mood, everyone has more fun."

Antaru: "What about physical health? How is that related?"  

Mr. Kumar: "Mental health and physical health are closely connected. If you're stressed or anxious, it can make you feel sick or tired. On the other hand, regular exercise and healthy eating can improve your mood and mental well-being."  

Mrs. Kumar: "And it helps you think clearly. Good mental health means you can focus better in school and make smarter decisions."  

Antaru: "I see. But what if someone doesn’t feel good mentally?"  

Mr. Kumar: "If someone is struggling, it’s important they talk to someone they trust, like a parent, teacher, or counselor. Just like you go to the doctor when you're physically sick, you can get help for your mental health too."  

Antaru: "So, what does bad mental health look like? How can you tell if someone is struggling?"  

Mrs. Kumar: "Good question, Antaru. People with poor mental health might feel sad or hopeless all the time. They might get angry easily, have trouble sleeping or eating, and lose interest in things they used to enjoy."  

Mr. Kumar: "They might also withdraw from friends and family, avoid social interactions, and have difficulty concentrating. Their behavior can become erratic or unpredictable, which can affect their relationships."  

Antaru: "oh! that sounds serious. What can someone do to improve their mental health?"  

Mrs. Kumar: "There are many things that can help. Regular physical activity, like jogging or yoga, can boost your mood. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you feel calmer and more focused."  

Mr. Kumar: "Spending time with friends and family is important too. Talking about your feelings, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and doing leisure activities that you enjoy can all make a big difference."  

Mrs. Kumar: "And remember, it's okay to ask for help. Sometimes talking to a mental health professional, like a therapist, can provide the support and guidance you need."  

Mr. Kumar: "Even though some of this might seem complicated now, don’t worry. You’re still young, and it's normal to have questions. Feel free to ask us anytime you want to understand more."  

Antaru: "Thanks, Mom and Dad. This helps a lot. I think I get it better now." 

As Antaru finished his breakfast, he felt a sense of relief and understanding. His parents had broken down the complex topic of mental health into simple, relatable examples, helping him appreciate its importance in every aspect of life.