Mental illness: All you need to know about the state in India

By Rhea Mathur

From the dreams we have as young children, to the reality and pressures of our adult expectations, our lives do not always go as planned. While the pressure of life may supplement the development of a mental illness, 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 can in no time help us identify the problem in our system. However, this advanced research and technology come to a grey period when the source of pain is unidentifiable or misunderstood. Currently, we are thriving to survive in this grey area by spreading awareness in the society. It is fit to say that while development in the area is inevitable, the mindset of the public is the first battle for the Indian society. The mindset that is convinced that depression is a self-concocted disease will inevitably dismiss even technology to state, “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 who described it as a control centre of emotions, mood and a person’s thought process. The 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, figuring out the problem requires more data 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 the 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 re-affect their emotions. Temples can hence provide help on the surface, but the functioning of the brain remains constant. 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. The priests involve those staying at the temple in daily rituals around the temple, guiding and providing them with support. They also provide a space that acts like 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 on 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. People either are sent to temples for their mental illness or made to suffer in silence. This ignorance and dismissive behaviour is due to the lack of understanding of psychological difficulties and mental illness. 

Methods that have been used for centuries and mindsets that have settled in India have now become hard 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 having required medical help to deal with her emotional state and develop into 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 your illness, as long as it is treated at the correct time.

Repercussions of ignorance

There is an exponential increase in the number of suicides in India. On 11th February, a fifty-year old gentlemen committed suicide in front of the Delhi metro. On 17th February, 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, 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.

Featured Image Source: Pixabay