World Mental Health Day-10th October 2022

 

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Bijit Das who was in ICU from last 5days was shifted to ward as he was stable. I met him during round, he looked very fresh. Oxygen was provided as support. On query he said that he was feeling good, was able to do normal day to day activities. He even had walk in the corridor in the morning.

He said that he was very much thankful to his mother who managed to got him treated well.

I enquired what had happened to him. He said that he used to take illicit substances long ago. He was kept in rehab centre. In the centre therapy was given., they are engaged in some or other activities so that they are busy and have no thoughts for other activities.

During durga puja he said that he had brought new clothes for the family members, did all purchases from his salary. He also wanted to meet his friends. Next day he went out without informing anybody. He went to his friends and had the injectable one. As he taken the injectable with empty stomach , the effect was more. According to him his friend had no experience and so he got panic and informed the family members and was brought to the hospital.

I enquired why he took the injectable as he had left the habit long ago… though he had left…but according to him the thought itself made him so obsessed that at any cost he wanted to have it and thus he went out with his friends and injected himself without thinking of the consequences. He promised and said that he would not repeat such act in future.

I also advised him to keep himself busy so that such thoughts does not arise in his mind. I also requested the family members to keep him occupied so that he doesn’t have time for such activities. The family was financially and mentally drained.

The alcoholic patient, Arun Jain who was admitted in cabin from some days was shifted to ICU as he was reported to be disoriented. His vitals were also not supportive. He needed intensive care. He was immediately shifted to ICU.

We went to meet him today in ICU, his aunt was already there in ICU sharing information with the on duty intensivist. He was lying on the bed, starring at us, dark skinny, eyes yellowish. He used to murmur in pain. His body was covered with a top sheet. His vitals were being monitored, syringe pump was fitted, there was issue related to his urine output... His teeth were also turned black. He asked for food, he said that he was feeling hungry. The nurse standing by his side prepared protein drink… he requested for whole food from his home town. His aunt told that it would be difficult to bring food from his hometown and requested him to have the protein drink to which he obeyed. He enquired about us, our occupation, he was aware that he was admitted in a hospital in Guwahati. During conversation it was observed that he was getting disoriented.

We asked him to take rest and came out of ICU. His aunt showed helplessness for him. She informed that Arun was addicted to alcohol from the days he was studying. His parents tried to restrict him, even she herself tried but ivain. He used to search excuses to have alcohol…She said that parents should have control over their children…Hope he recovers… 

Today 10^th October,  is celebrated as World Mental Health Day, the theme of 2022 is   Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority. The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder and a host of other mental illnesses are affecting increasing amounts of people.

How to be mentally healthy and happy? This is a question on the minds of many people today. There is a strong need for better measures for good mental health.

Here are few simple tips that show you how to be mentally healthy and happy:-

1. Develop Gratitude

Those who feel gratitude have a positive outlook in life. And we all know that a positive attitude leads to good mental health.

2. Eat Clean

It’s easier to pick frozen and packaged food, but it not only harms your body but also your mind. Satvik food is recognised in Ayurveda as the best for mental health.

3. Simplify Your Life

This is a powerful one. Let go of habits, as well as people, that don’t serve your purpose in life. De-clutter your home from things you don’t use any more. Spend time doing simple things like cooking, gardening, and walking. They make a huge difference.

4. Get Good Quality Sleep

How to improve emotional health? Ayurveda recommends sound sleep. This is crucial for lower stress levels and overall emotional well-being. Adults should normally get minimum 6-8 hours of sleep.

5. Try Yoga And Meditation

Yoga as well as meditation are two excellent activities to improve mental health. Plenty of research confirms that they can reduce depressive symptoms, soothe anxiety, and boost positive emotions. 

6. Sweat It Out

Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping releases enough endorphins to make you feel significantly happier and calmer. Try swimming, jogging, cycling, dancing…whatever gets your blood flowing.

7. Spend Time In Nature.

Spending time in natural surroundings has healing effects on the mind and uplifts the soul.

8. Laugh.

Laughing undoubtedly supports good mental health. And the effects are instant!

9. Be With Supportive People

Life is too short to spend it with people who bring you down. Surround yourself with folks who are empathetic, understanding, and unconditionally loving.

10. Seek Help When You Need It

Sometimes, it’s all too overwhelming and you may simply not know how to improve emotional health. All you need to do is reach out to your spouse, a friend, a family member, or a therapist. With a little help, you can find healing and soon feel better again!

...to be continued..