Rest and Self-Care: The Importance for Mental Health

 

World Mental Health Day being observed every year on 10th October, is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting efforts to support those affected. First established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, the day aims to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage greater understanding and action around mental health challenges globally.

This year’s theme for the World Mental Health day is "Mental Health at Work". This is important; for promoting well-being in the workplace, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health on the job. It emphasizes the need for employers and organizations to create supportive environments where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges, seeking help when needed, and managing stress. By prioritizing mental health at work, businesses can improve productivity, reduce burnout, and foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture for everyone.

Just couple of weeks ago, there was terrible news in India linked to the Mental health at work, when Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young chartered accountant from Kerala, tragically passed away on July 20 after working at EY's Pune office for just four months, with reports suggesting that 'overwork' was a contributing factor. Her death has ignited a national conversation on the importance of work-life balance, mental health, and the responsibility corporations have in safeguarding their employees' well-being.

It's okay not to feel okay sometimes. Life has its ups and downs, and during tough times, it's normal to feel isolated, anxious, or even out of place. Whether you're struggling with work, relationships, or just life in general, these emotions are part of being human. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone—many people face similar challenges, even if it doesn’t always seem that way.

What really helps is opening up about how you're feeling, whether it’s to friends, family, or colleagues. Talking about your struggles can be hard, especially in cultures or communities where mental health is still misunderstood. In many places, people don’t fully grasp how serious mental health issues can be, which can make it difficult for them to offer the right support. That’s why raising awareness and having honest conversations about mental health is so important. By sharing your experience, you help others understand, and you might even encourage someone else who is struggling to reach out.

Personally, I’ve had my own battles with mental health in the past. At first, I knew something wasn’t right, but it took me a while to fully understand what I was going through and come to terms with it. Once I got to that point, I made the decision to open up to my family and close friends. Their response was more supportive than I could have imagined. They listened, they cared, and their encouragement played a huge role in helping me get through those difficult times. Without their support, I don’t know how I would have coped. For me, having that circle of people who truly understood and stood by me made all the difference.

But here’s the thing: everyone’s journey with mental health is different. Each of us has to find our own way to manage our well-being and stay happy. Some people turn to hobbies, exercise, or meditation. Others might need more structured support, like counseling or therapy. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay. What matters is finding what works for you and recognizing when you need help.

And it’s so important to know that seeking professional help is completely normal. If you’re struggling, there’s no shame in talking to a therapist or counselor. Mental health professionals are there to help you understand your emotions and give you tools to cope with challenges. Sometimes, a professional perspective is exactly what you need to guide you through a tough time.

In the end, mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s something we all need to take care of, and that means being kind to ourselves, reaching out for support when we need it, and talking openly about our struggles. No one should go through it alone, and by starting the conversation, we can all move toward better mental health together. I will end this beautiful statement of Eleanor Brown "Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."