From dreams we have as young children, to the reality and pressures of adult life, everything does not always go according to plan. While the pressures of daily-life may further the development of mental illnesses, the root cause still lies in our genes. To find the cause of a physical illness, there are innumerable processes- X-ray, CT scans or samples of blood, that can in no time help us identify the problems in our system. However, this advanced research and technology comes to a hold when the source of pain is constantly dismissed and overlooked. The ideology that believes that mental health problems and depression are self-concocted issues slows down the amount of research taking place in the area and leads to the creation of a toxic environment where people tell each other- “it’ll be okay. Just stop worrying”.
The role of genetics in mental illness
A region in the brain called the Brodmann Area 25 was discovered by professors at Emory University. Described as a control centre of emotions, moods and a person’s thought processes, professors identified that a malfunction in this area can lead to depression and anxiety. Helen Mayberg, one of the neurologists working on the project, stated that the cause may also be the over functioning of this area. Several other pieces of research also point towards the structure of our genes. While millions have been spent on understanding the brain and understanding its functioning, an important factor is also the data required on the history of a person and their family. Considering that, for years, people have refused to consider mental disorders as an illness, the family background required for the research is missing. Thus, technological advancements are only a step away after acceptance and vocalisation of the illness.
Beliefs born from a web of lies
To understand the myths that have taken over Indian society, we must consider the environment and pressures that surround us. A holy place, shrine or temple has a calm and peaceful environment. The amount of stress or negativity that surrounds a person is lesser around these shrines. While this acts like a temporary cure, a patient’s return to the original environment may trigger their original condition. Temples can hence act as temporary solutions or escapes but, have no real impact on a person’s mental health. These temples find a temporary way to detach those with anxiety away from stress hence, the development of the myth of their healing and mystic powers.
This process takes place in the Temple of Muthusamy in a village in Tamil Nadu. Priests there, involve those staying at the temple in daily rituals around the temple, guiding and supporting them. They also provide a space that acts as a clinic for a person to understand his inner turmoil. While priests are unable to find a permanent cure, psychiatrists are trained for this. Their profound understanding of how to deal with those with mental disorders would help the patient’s health improve with time.
Apart from temples, there is also a belief in self-proclaimed priests called “babas”. They lack knowledge of medical conditions and carry no means to eradicate it. They simply play with people’s religious beliefs and their lack of understanding of science. They claim to carry mystical objects and are known to commit heinous crimes in the name of god. Such “babas” are also the reason for strange myths and beliefs amongst communities.
Menacing myths in the Indian society
There is an estimate of only four thousand psychiatrists in India. Methods that have been used for centuries and mindsets that have now found their place within our societies and are becoming harder to eradicate. Mental illness is looked down upon and considered to be self-created. The myth is that one can deal with them on their own. There is also a belief that people with such illnesses are weaker. However, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal tendency, personality disorder, schizophrenia are all severe disorders that cannot be dealt with without proper medical treatment. Such diseases are all disorders of the brain that include genetic and biological dysfunctions that cannot be self-treated.
Another myth involves the perspective that all those with illnesses are retarded or maniacs and thus, uncontrollable. Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway and Einstein all suffered from mental illness. Regardless of their emotional state, they were still revolutionary geniuses. In India, Deepika Padukone, one of the highest-paid actors of 2017-18 had also dealt with depression. She admitted to having required medical help to deal with her emotional state in order to become the person she is today. Medical help is necessary to overcome any illness, be it physical or mental. With therapy, rehabilitation, and treatments, it is always possible to overcome illness, as long as it is treated at the correct tim.
Repercussions of ignorance
There is an exponential increase in the number of suicides in India. On 11th February, a fifty-year-old gentleman committed suicide in front of the Delhi metro. On 17th February 2018, another man jumped in front of the metro only to be saved by a guard who noticed his behaviour. The lives of those at the station remained unaffected, and the feelings of the man remain unresolved. There are several people who are constantly dealing with mental disorders and suicidal tendencies around us but feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about them. Men especially feel the necessity to represent the stereotypical male image and to behave as though they are incredibly resilient. Due to this, they suffer in silence, ultimately giving up completely.
On 20th February 2018, the son of a famous, former Pakistani cricketer committed suicide in his home in Karachi. Mohammad Zaryab was studying in his first year in college and had taken part in the selection process for the under-19 cricket team, but was considered to be average. His exclusion from the team caused him to take his life. With an increasing amount of pressure and expectations from young children, suicidal tendencies and disorders are taking a higher control over the individual’s body. The person remains unable to understand the situation and their emotions overpower their bodies compelling them to give up.
Companies like the Banyan are present to provide medical help to those with severe medical illnesses, however, there is still an extreme lack of support and knowledge. Until the fear of embarrassment is not eradicated from the society, it will be difficult for India to move forward and develop a path towards true peace and a healthy mind.
