In the quiet corners of our minds, amidst the everyday rush of life, lies a topic often veiled in silence: mental health. It’s a subject that affects us all, yet one that many of us struggle to talk about openly. In a world where physical health and academic achievements often take center stage, the importance of mental well-being is still overshadowed despite increasing awareness around it.
In candid reflections and heartfelt confessions, our community has shared their unfiltered thoughts about mental health: things they wish they had learned earlier about mental health. Let’s hear them out:
I wish it was given as much importance in school as physical health and studies were.
Talking about mental health and sharing what you feel is not going to bring you shame. Though we have people to judge , there are many more who lend ears ,a shoulder to cry on and to guide you. I wish this was thought of earlier. And that mentality to accept and let people know that we are seeking help to heal us is not something to be embarrassed about. — Sindhu Vinod
You don’t need to be “fine” all the time. Your feelings, emotions and most importantly anger is valid.
The importance of mental health got an unexpected limelight during and post pandemic. Whereas, whenever I think of mental health, I wish, if we had freedom to express from a young age, we would not pile up things inside us. The whole system creates a protocol about physical appearance and behaviour, and then the struggle to fit in is endless. “Log kya Kahenge” syndrome is deeply rooted in our DNA, so much so that we keep our choices at bay and start doing things that may not be of our choice. I will be honest here, the habit of parents to keep comparing the marks, looks, achievements and relationship statuses of others to their kids is to some extent responsible for this. Also, we follow a very different version of respect, not sure how many times we keep quiet to maintain that respect too. Respect is two way, not age specific. Elders should be respected but should also be warned when they are promoting wrong practices. Those who raise their voice against that should not be called spoiled or ill behaved. The fear of being judged has not left anyone irrespective of their age! Little changes in our social behaviours will help us make a holistic and wholesome environment to live in. — Nilshree Yelulkar
I wish I would have taught myself to identify my symptoms as mental health issues to get timely support, treatment and consultation.
I wish I knew how deeply overall health and our physical and social environment is important for good mental health.When you read the WHO definition of health – “it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” This makes it clear that mental health cannot be promoted in isolation and you need to look at HEALTH holistically if we want to be healthy. — Dr.Amrita Basu
I wish I had known that side-effects of certain medications (like steroids) affect my mental health & that problem was not with me but with the medication when I felt like a failure. Had I had the awareness, I could have been gentle with myself & came out of the trauma much earlier & easier instead of blaming myself all the time . — Seethalakshmi
Bullying doesn’t have to do with you. It’s the one who does, they are the one at fault. It doesn’t define you.
I wish I knew that seeking professional help was normal and people wouldn’t judge others when one did that. — Varsha Bagadia
You should not be guilty of having a mental health condition.
That you don’t need permission to leave toxic relationships.
That it’s ok to feel sad, no need to be ashamed of it.
Mental health escalates rapidly.
Don’t blame yourself for things that were done by others. Whatever has happened might have been traumatizing, but it has passed now. Let it go. Sometimes, letting go is easier than holding it back.
I was brought up in a strict family, where expressing your opinions or saying no was not encouraged, though my father was progressive. Standing up for yourself was not encouraged. I think my generation had a tough time because of that. Juggling home and work and not being able to say “No” or prioritize your wellbeing.
These thoughts are a collective call to break free from societal shackles, embrace vulnerability, and foster a culture where mental well-being is not just a whisper in the wind but a conversation that roars, demanding to be heard.
Let these narratives be a catalyst for change, inspiring us to be more compassionate listeners, advocates for mental health, and allies in the battle against stigma. Together, we can rewrite the narrative surrounding mental health, creating a world where every voice is heard, every struggle is acknowledged, and you and we are empowered to embrace our journeys with courage, grace, and much needed support.
We are grateful to the people who chose to step up and share their journey with us. Do you have a story to share? You can do so through CauseAChatter Stories.
