From Illness to Wellness: My Reflections on Mental Health

From Illness to Wellness: My Reflections on Mental Health 

A couple of days ago on October 10 ,we ‘observed'  World Mental Health Day. 
From the days of the proverb, an apple a day keeps a doctor away, to acknowledging the fact that health isn’t just the absence of disease , it’s a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being we have come a long way. This definition of the World Health Organization that health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" emphasizes that health is a holistic concept that includes emotional and social aspects, not just the lack of illness. 
The WHO specifies that mental wellness involves realizing one's abilities, coping with stress, working productively and contributing to one's community. However in reality mental health or it's management is still rungs below physical heath.
We are quick to rush to a doctor when we have a fever or an upset stomach, but when our mind feels heavy or we are stressed and depressed we hesitate to seek help. Why should visiting a psychotherapist or counsellor be seen any differently from consulting a physician? A healthy mind leads to a healthy body, and both need care.
There have been times in my own life when I felt low , deeply disappointed and unsure of myself. I still remember the day I didn’t make it to the UPSC. It felt like the end of my dreams. But with time, reflection and support from family and friends, I realized that not clearing an exam doesn't make one a failure. I learned to chose a different career ,take pride in the positions I held in the state government and to serve with joy wherever I am. Life often takes us where we are meant to be, not necessarily where we planned to go.
We all face moments of darkness , self-doubt, loss, or rejection. In such times, positivity becomes a powerful medicine. It’s not easy, but it’s essential. Think of Einstein, who was once expelled from school but was encouraged so much by his mother that he came to be recognised as a genius. Similarly cricketer Dhoni, had to get over many obstacles before reaching his goal. However being famous and successful must not be a yardstick  for measuring happiness. There are many stories which  remind us that life is full of ups and downs.  A glass can always be seen as half full or half empty , the choice to choose satisfaction and being content in any situation is ours.
In India, nearly ten percent of our population experiences mental distress, yet the stigma remains. We openly discuss heart disease or diabetes, but when it comes to depression or anxiety, silence takes over. Those suffering are often labelled as “weak” or “attention seekers,” when all they need is love and understanding. Sometimes, a small, honest conversation is enough to make someone feel loved and supported.
As the saying goes, “अकेले तो हम कहीं नहीं जा सकते — जनाज़े को उठाने को भी चार आदमी लगते हैं।”.  As human beings we  are not meant to walk alone but live together. Asking for help from our loved ones or a professional can never  be sign of weakness but that of being aware because they  are there to offer us support. Encouragement from friends, family, and colleagues does wonders by restoring our confidence when our own strength falters.
Our families,  are definitely our best support system since they offer unconditional love and emotional stability. Proper communication at home helps in building trust and preventing unecessary misunderstandings. Each member’s contribution, however small, adds to the balance and warmth of the household. Instead of searching for perfection in others, we must look at the positive qualities which every individual has. 
At the same time, we must also care for our innermost thoughts by avoiding negativity, being kind, and nurturing empathy. The media often highlights crime and violence, but we can choose to focus on the goodness around us and within us. Joy multiplies when shared, and sorrow halves when expressed.
Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from family, friends or a professional as taking care of your mind is equally important as taking care of your body.
Mental health, ultimately, is not about avoiding pain but about learning to respond to pain and rising after falling. When we replace judgment with compassion and isolation with connection, we begin to heal together. In fact when the ‘I’ becomes ‘We’, ‘illness’ truly transforms into ‘wellness’.

R.Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner,
Maharashtra,
Compassionate Civil Servant &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay