Behind the Smile: The Silent Struggle for Mental Wellness

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become more important than ever. While we focus heavily on physical well-being, we often neglect the foundation of our overall health—our mind. Mental health plays a vital role in everyone’s life. A healthy mind improves our quality of life and enhances our ability to function effectively, build relationships, and achieve personal and professional goals.

Unfortunately, in the current scenario, we rarely take time to reflect on our own mental well-being. Life has become a continuous loop of meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities, and handling multiple roles—be it as a child, a partner, an employee, or a student. In this hustle, we forget to spend time with ourselves and check in on our mental state.

Good mental health is directly linked to a healthy lifestyle. When we are mentally well, we tend to be more motivated, creative, and resilient. On the other hand, poor mental health can negatively affect our brain function. It reduces our ability to think clearly, solve problems, and feel motivated to pursue our goals. Over time, this can lead to a loss of interest in activities we once enjoyed and create emotional distance in our personal relationships. In many families, poor mental health has become a silent factor causing communication gaps and weakening bonds.

It is a common misconception that mental health issues are only relevant for working professionals dealing with stress or burnout. In reality, students, homemakers, unemployed individuals, and even children are vulnerable to mental health challenges. Just because someone is not earning doesn’t mean they are free from stress, anxiety, or depression. Every human being, regardless of their role in society, deserves mental well-being.

Corporates and educational institutions must understand that maintaining the mental health of their employees and students is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Leaders and supervisors should foster a workplace environment that values empathy, open communication, and emotional support. Organizations must start treating their members not just as workers or students, but as individuals with emotional needs. They should be like nurturing mothers—who care, listen, and guide with patience and understanding.

In India, the situation is concerning. A large number of individuals suffer in silence due to mounting pressure and lack of support. Some even go to the extent of self-harm because they feel overwhelmed and unsupported. This is a wake-up call for all of us. Awareness is not enough; it is time to take concrete action.

One powerful step is to normalize mental health counseling. Every school, college, and university should have access to trained mental health counselors. These professionals should be available not just during emergencies but as regular support systems where students can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles without fear of judgment. The Ministry of Education should consider making it mandatory for educational institutions to provide mental health support.

Families too must play an active role. Open conversations about emotions, stress, and mental well-being should become a norm in every household. Creating a safe space for children, partners, and elders to talk about their mental health will go a long way in building emotionally strong communities.

To conclude, mental health awareness must not stop at slogans and campaigns. We need to take meaningful actions—at the individual, family, institutional, and national level. Let us commit to listening more, judging less, supporting each other, and seeking help when needed. Because only when our minds are healthy, can our lives truly thrive.

A Real-Life Incident That Shook the Nation

In 2023, India witnessed a series of disturbing student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for competitive exam preparation. One such heart breaking case involved a 17-year-old NEET aspirant who took her life due to the immense academic pressure she faced. Her short suicide note simply said, “I’m tired. Sorry, I couldn’t make you proud.”

This tragic incident is not isolated—over 25 student suicides occurred in Kota in that year alone. These young lives, full of potential, ended not due to academic failure but due to a lack of emotional support and mental health resources. Their stories remind us that behind every smile can lie an unbearable weight.

How We Can Overcome Poor Mental Health

Poor mental health can affect anyone, but it can also be managed and improved with the right support and steps:

• Talk About It: Speak with friends, family, or a trained counselor. Expressing how you feel is the first and most important step toward healing.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and manage your workload. Overcommitment is a major source of burnout.

• Practice Self-Care: Take time each day for activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, walking, or meditating.

• Stay Connected: Healthy relationships and social support can significantly reduce feelings of isolation.

• Seek Professional Help: Therapy and counseling are not just for crisis moments—they’re powerful tools for maintaining mental well-being.

• Limit Screen Time: Excessive use of social media and smartphones contributes to anxiety and low self-esteem. Digital detox can be beneficial.

• Promote Mental Health Education: Institutions and families must openly discuss mental health, just like physical health, to eliminate stigma.

One powerful step is to normalize mental health counselling. Every school, college, and university should have access to trained mental health counsellors. These professionals should be available not just during emergencies but as regular support systems where students can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles without fear of judgment. The Ministry of Education should consider making it mandatory for educational institutions to provide mental health support.

Families too must play an active role. Open conversations about emotions, stress, and mental well-being should become a norm in every household. Creating a safe space for children, partners, and elders to talk about their mental health will go a long way in building emotionally strong communities.