Psychology and Mental Health: The Need of the Hour

Sivakami S 19/UPYA/103

Mental health refers to the psychological and emotional satisfaction of a person. The use of this term has skyrocketed after the sudden suicide of a famous Bollywood actor, Sushant Singh Rajput. People poured in messages and updates regarding the need for mental health and psychological support. Mental health is crucial for one’s well being and development in life. It is an integral aspect of human health and cannot be neglected at any cost.

But sadly the outpour of support in this aspect is restricted to only a few drastic occurrences. When the incident loses steam in media, people turn off their activist mode and return to ignorance. Deep down, they know the importance of psychology and mental health but choose to neglect it. In conservative nations like India, such topics are a taboo, leading to suppression of discussion regarding psychological help.

This article aims to throw light on what exactly psychology is, along with how it can be used to safeguard mental health, leading to a truly productive, empathetic and proactive society. Let’s get started!

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of understanding people’s behaviour, thoughts and actions. It involves the application of appropriate methods (motivation, counselling, therapy) to understand events without bias, treat mental health issues (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc.) and also to improve education, relationships and the working sector.

How will Psychology help mental health?

Psychology studies people and their behaviour based on two rubrics:

• who are they?

• what they are?

It looks into why people act in a certain way and think the way they do and how they can improve. Therefore human beings and their mental processes can be understood and worked upon for better by this subject.

Psychology allows individuals to comprehend how the body and mind work together. This knowledge helps people with decision-making and avoiding stressful situations. Psychological assistance helps with time management, setting and achieving goals, and living effectively.

There are a lot of disturbing issues in the world, including drug addiction, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and so on, which have been tackled by psychological interventions.

It strives to make an individual have a proper sense of self and surroundings. It treats our maladaptive traits and improves our well being. Hence we must remember that we can better our mental health with the help of psychology!