How many times have we brushed aside feelings of anxiety and stress as a natural reaction to our everyday routine? To a certain extent, these feelings are normal. But, when they cross the threshold of normalcy, we miss the red flag.
A nation-wide study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences undertaken in 2015-2016, revealed that at least 13.7% of India’s population suffers from a variety of mental illnesses that include depression, anxiety, and phobia, among others. The numbers could rise considering the taboo associated with mental health or even talking about it, and a general lack of awareness.
It is to address these factors, Neerja Birla founded the Mpower Movement under the Aditya Birla Education Trust. The Movement aims to affect change and end any and all stigma through dialogue around mental health, especially among adolescents.
Catching it early
Stressing the importance of addressing the issue among adolescents, Birla points out, “Over 70% of mental illness onset happens before the age of 25. So, if caught early, the prognosis can be much better. This means an adolescent with robust mental health who goes on to become a healthy adult.”
To achieve this, Mpower Movement organises many events and campaigns: a heart-warming video that depicts a brother undergoing mental stress and turmoil trying to reach out to his elder sister; “The Happy Place” event organised in 20 Mumbai schools brought together over 150 students who shared their unique thoughts and ideas about the mental health movement in India; and the launch of a podcast series — “Place of Mind”, that deals with stories of regular people inspired by everyday struggles.
Neerja Birla: On tackling mental health issues among teens
Stress is one of the biggest factors that affects mental health. So, through such activities and events, Mpower Movement aims to help individuals identify different types of stress (preventive strategy) and their triggers — there are a number of them — and show them the different ways of dealing with them (coping strategy).
“The main cause of mental health issues is biological disposition — some are genetically predisposed to react more stressfully to certain situations than others,” explains Birla.
Education as it is now, she says, is one of the biggest triggers of stress. Besides the pressure put on them by their parents and schools, the multiple options available to them also adds to the stress. “Today, students have more choices and avenues, so they want to be good at multiple things. And then there are external triggers like social media, which I did not have when growing up. Through social media, everyone is trying to project ‘my perfect world’ and others try to ape it. Everyone is trying to look, talk and be perfect. Perfection is a flawed concept,” adds Birla.
Reaching out
Children spend a lot of time at school especially at an age which is their formative years and most impressionable. “Whatever is taught then stays with you for life. While in college, one’s peers become important and are major influencers. That is why schools, colleges and students need to be sensitised enough to be able to identify any red flags in their students or friends,” says Birla, stressing the need for mental health education in academic institutions.
The Mpower Centre and The Mpower Foundation in Mumbai have a team of primary mental health workers, psychologists, and counsellors working with a network of paediatric clinics, schools, and youth services offering specialist interventions, assessment, treatment, and training.
Another obstacle in this battle for awareness and treatment is the shortage of mental health professionals. “We have about 0.4% psychiatrists per million people,” quotes Birla. “Psychologists are even fewer. Culturally, we depend heavily on drugs and medication. Psychological intervention is less.”
That is why, the onus to take the first step is on us. “First, listen. Give time to your a friend or family member going through a problem. Don’t judge. And second, be aware of what of the red flags. You are not alone. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay.”
