The Importance of Therapy

As per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, treatment gap for mental disorders ranged between 70% and 92% for different disorders. NCERT’s Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey highlights an increasing prevalence of poor mental health among adolescents exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 11% of students reported as feeling anxious, 14% as feeling extreme emotion and 43% experiencing mood swings. 

In the fast-paced current lifestyle that all of us have adopted, disconnectivity prevails and we find ourselves alone even if we really aren’t. Nobody to share our innermost feelings with because all of us fear being judged - especially in a scenario where talking about one’s struggles is so heavily stigmatised, seen as a sign of weakness or maybe laughed upon, the topic of mental health is avoided like it's the plague. Think about it, would you really be comfortable opening up to your bestest ‘homie’ about the anxious feeling that seeps into your stomach everytime you face a crowd? I bet a  majority of you wouldn’t be. “Anxiety/depression/PTSD - none of these things exist. Back in our days, nobody complained about facing these issues. It’s all because of this phone.” When one hears things like these from one’s own parents, the idea of not hesitating in approaching them to talk about your struggles seems blasphemous. No mom and dad, back in your days nobody spoke up about their feelings because of the age-old taboos surrounding mental health!

Is letting things go on like they have been really the best idea? Wouldn’t all of us rather that our children approached us and shared their worries and worked on their problems in a safe and regulated space than relying on a random stranger on the internet to provide them love and security? 

The first step towards such a solution involves normalising the idea of seeking therapy. And no, seeing a therapist doesn’t mean you’re ‘mad’ or ‘crazy’. You don’t have to have a severe mental problem to seek therapy- which by the way is just one of the many misconceptions Indian society has built around the idea of therapy. The problem mainly stems from the lack of awareness and discussion around therapy. According to Healthline.com, Behavioural therapy is an umbrella term for types of therapy that treat mental health disorders. It’s based on the idea that all behaviours are learned and that behaviours can be changed. It looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviours. The focus of treatment is often on current problems and how to change them.

Creating a safe and supportive environment where discussing mental health is not taboo is crucial. Open dialogues in families, schools, and communities can dismantle the stigma associated with mental health issues. Educating peers about the importance of mental well-being and the benefits of therapy can encourage those in need to seek help.

The importance of therapy can't be stressed enough. It's like having a gym for your brain. And just like you wouldn't wait to start working out until you’re completely out of shape, why wait to take care of your mental health until things get really bad? It's about maintenance and improvement, not just emergency fixes. Regular sessions with a therapist can help you develop coping strategies, gain self-awareness, and improve your overall emotional well-being while also allowing you to know yourself better. Therapy is about learning how to live your best life and navigate the ups and downs with a bit more grace and a lot more understanding.

Imagine if every time you felt anxious or depressed, instead of bottling it up, you had a go-to person who wouldn’t judge you but would help you navigate through those feelings. Think of therapy as your emotional Google Maps, helping you find the best route to your mental well-being! It’s not about having all the answers but about taking the path to reach them. 

In conclusion, mental health should be given the same importance as physical health. By fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance can we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive emotionally and mentally.o let’s normalize therapy, embrace open conversations about mental health, and work towards a future where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

-Keya Yadav