Do you know of anyone who has never faced any kind of mental health challenge? Unlikely. Because, mental health problems are truly democratic — they affect all age groups, genders, demographics, races, castes, religions, cultures, professions and classes. Physical illness are dealt with openly, and these are socially accepted as being inevitable. But fear of social stigma prevents a mentally ill person and their relatives from seeking help. With growing public awareness and with international health organizations issuing detailed information on these issues, more people are seeking help from professional therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, who are now in short supply. And they are expensive.
Fear of social ostracization has led to troubled souls seeking out spiritual masters for counseling, and this seems to work for most. Such seekers enjoy social respect as they are thought of as being traditional, with good spiritual values and so on. Spiritual guidance for those who are mentally troubled – so long as it is not a clinical-medical issue — can work wonders as seekers reap the benefit of distilled wisdom from ancient knowledge as well as get mentored by non-judgmental, evolved souls who exude calm and compassion. Provided, of course, the guru you go to, is genuine.
Triggers for mental ill-health are so many; they include real-time social isolation and loneliness, low self-esteem, sense of insecurity, lack or too many responsibilities, anxiety, stress, loss of loved ones, financial setbacks, relationship breakdowns, violence, poverty, and affluence. Consequently, most countries face mental health crises. Nature magazine reports that one in two people around the world will develop a mental health disorder by age 75, and reasons vary, so there is no single line of treatment that could work for all.
Innovative approaches to mental health include encouraging positive thinking, interpersonal group interactions, creative pursuits, engagement with nature and animals, meditation and yoga, and real-time social activity. Community, friends and spiritual mentors play a pivot role in providing compassionate, gentle, and cost-effective support. The focus is on holistic healing and general wellness. Another experiment is to rope in the elderly, who can give their time and expertise in counseling in informal ways that resemble family, listen and chat, with no strings attached.
Most borderline mental health issues, could possibly be resolved by co-opting support groups, families, friends, peer groups and seniors, and by boosting self-esteem. A volunteer group called Friendship Bench stated working in Washington DC this year, in the most undeserved parts of the city. “We are not trying to replace mental health professionals; it’s about providing another point of access, because people are dying.”
Another dimensions to mental healing is using art and music as therapies to not only soothe disturbed minds but to also present the person with creative outlets to express their bottled-up feelings and emotions. Music therapy does not refer to only classical instrumental music playing; it can be in the form of inspirational songs with lyrics that help boost confidence and self-esteem, with peppy music and vibrant performances as is evidenced in recent popular numbers. Devotional music that soothes the nerves than jangle them, do help, and regular Satsang is a very enabling form of group therapy.
