Mental Health : Ensuring Universal Access To Well-Being
This understanding, deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of Indian Knowledge Systems, underscores health as a holistic concept encompassing mental, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual dimensions. As societies evolve, our definition of health broadens, elevating mental well-being as a fundamental human necessity.
However, despite progress, access to mental health care remains uneven, leaving many without the support they need. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four individuals globally will experience mental disorders at some point, yet only a fraction receives necessary intervention. This gap highlights a critical area for improvement in our healthcare systems and societal attitudes.
Barriers to Mental Wellness
Regardless of its significance, mental health remains one of the "least regulated and most exploited" fields. Apart from the stigma casting a shadow over those seeking help, numerous other barriers hinder access to mental health services, the most significant being lack of awareness and misinformation on the right tools and techniques to build total wellbeing.
Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach - involving public education, destigmatization efforts, increased funding, and integrating mental health into primary care. In addition, advocacy for mental health parity in policy-making is crucial to ensure equitable attention and resources. Prioritizing mental health at the policy level can dismantle structural barriers and make care accessible to all individuals.
Role of Meditative Interventions for Holistic Well-being
Meditative interventions offer a promising approach to promoting mental well-being and addressing psychological distress. Evidence-based practices such as meditation, and yogic modalities have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving the overall quality of life. Practices such as Pranayama (breath control), Dharana (intention setting), and Dhyana (meditation) lead to building the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, promoting balance and harmony within the individual.
Recent research highlighted that regular structured yoga-based practice over an 8-weeks can significantly decrease symptoms of both depression and anxiety, thus promoting mental health in individuals. As an adjunct, yogic practices can help treat stress, depression, and other severe mental illnesses (SMI) with noticeable improvement in the psychopathology, anxiety, cognition, and functioning of patients with SMI. This may be due to the psychobiological effects of such practices, such as decreased low-frequency fluctuations in certain brain regions.
Adding to the clinical benefits, these practices are non-invasive and have minimal side effects, making them suitable to integrate with pharmaceutical interventions.
Impact of Meditative Modalities on Society's Quality of Life
The integration of meditative modalities into society's healthcare landscape holds the potential to transform lives and enhance overall well-being. It empowers individuals to take charge of their mental health and adopt healthier lifestyles. By cultivating emotional resilience, improving physical health, and fostering stronger interpersonal relationships, meditative practices can contribute to a happier, healthier society. Additionally, the reduction in healthcare costs associated with preventive and holistic approaches can alleviate burdens on healthcare systems, allowing resources to be allocated more efficiently.
In conclusion, mental health is everyone's birthright, and ensuring access to well-being for all should be a priority for us to perform as an inclusive and fulfilled society.
About the Author -
Dr. Ishan Shivanand, mental health researcher and Founder of Yoga of Immortals
