Contemporary times, apart from the pandemic itself, has caused an epidemic of mental strain on youngsters of the generation. From all things online to assignments and trying to keep with The Kardashians and social life, things have been piling up on the to- do lists. Research suggests that 54% of teenagers have dealt with mental strain due to self-image and pressure from parents and peers. The following article posed questions to youngsters across India on what mental health means to them and how they deal with mental issues.
Q. What does mental health mean to you?
ARIHANT JAIN, SJCC, Bangalore For me, mental health has never been a conversation at home or outside. I was introduced to it only at work where it was taken seriously.
RIVANSHA MALHOTRA, Delhi University Mental health is the most important aspect in my life as I feel if I am not feeling good mentally, I won’t be able to contribute to any other thing to my full capacity.
NIKITHA AMIN, New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore Mental health to me means to be able to feel, think, act, and do everyday chores without my mind going to a dark place.
KEERTHAN K, St Joseph’s College, Bangalore What the star player in a team means to the franchise is similar to what mental health means to me. It represents my emotional well being which when fully fit and at it’s best is taking me from win to win but is also the reason I understand and cherish loss and know how to get back from it.
GAUTHAM SEERVI, Bits Pilani, Rajasthan To me it’s all about trying to staying cool be it good times or bad times.
AMAAN AHHMED, RIT, Dubai I didn’t really consider mental health until later in college because of excess mental strain. I’d say it’s very important to me now.
KIRAN PATEL, Alliance University The world not being loud is what grounds me, making my mind feel lighter. Being happy and satisfied even in a stressful situation due to the support of people around is a healthy dose for my mental health.
VISHAL M GODI, PES University Being able to take care of and be content with one’s mind, emotions, feelings.
PRATHAM PRAVEEN, RV College of Engineering
Mental health is important for stability, peace and proper decision making. It also plays a major role in determining the amount of self confidence and esteem a person has.
ABHISHEK KUMAR SINGH, VIT Vellore Mental health according to me is our ability to continually sustain ourselves through the course of life. It is what defines our ability to deal with the same or new experiences and how positive or negatively we receive them.
SONU Mental health to me is being aware of my feelings and emotions. It is to experience and channelise every emotions than shutting them or constraining them.
SARIKA Mental health to me equates to physical health. I give a lot of thought and attention to my mental health and take help whenever I feel the need. According to me, taking care of our mental health and keeping ourselves content is the first step toward self-love.
Q. What do you do to distress after a tough day?
ARIHANT: I game and do just about anything to distract my mind when stressed. Sometimes I eat or even go out drinking with friends because they are my safe space.
RIVANSHA: Whenever I am feeling mentally exhausted, I listen to some of my favourite songs or talk to my friends and family. And if nothing helps, I sleep.
NIKITHA: To relieve myself from mental strain, I disconnect myself from people and social media till I start feeling like myself again.
KEERTHANA: Listening to music while taking a walk in the evenings has always been a way to relieve my stress. I also keep a doodle journal and actively go out looking for dogs to cuddle and play with. Beastly is just my thing.
GAUTHAM: Usually, I tend to take some breaks or skate at the local park. It gives me an adrenaline rush but also calms me at the same time.
AMAAN: For me, it’s sports. I run and have started playing basketball. It’s the way to destress.
PRATHAM: I’ve started meditation, yoga and exercise. It’s dynamic! Sometimes I also prefer low energy activities like reading, taking a walk or playing video games.
KIRAN: Read a book or travel. Mountains do wonders for my mental health.
VISHAL: Listen to songs. Watch your comfort shows. Play highly stimulative games. That’s what I do on bad days. It makes me feel better immediately.
ABHISHEK: To bring myself back from mental strain, I talk to people who I’ve built a very strong relationship with. Such people often share perspectives that could positively impact our own ones. This either solves the problem completely, or at worst, helps temporarily shift my focus until I’m in a better shape to deal with the matter.
ADITI JAIN: I recently started practicing pranayama for a few minutes everyday and I’m trying to incorporate it in my daily routine. I seem to be able to sleep better when I do that. So that helps my mental strain.
SONU: Naps, reading and journaling. These are the ways I try to find my catharsis.
SARIKA: Whenever I feel mental strain or stress, I try to focus my attention on what might be the possible reasons.
I try to refrain from thinking about the stressors and practice mindfulness by doing what I love the most- like listening to music, watching light-hearted content, or practicing breathing exercises.
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