H.G. DR. THOMAS ATHANASIUS METROPOLITAN
Mental health is such a broad discipline; hence one could
interpret as "the absence of mental illness" according to
the American psychiatric association. Mental illness, the
word itself is frightening and unwelcome in the Indian
community in general. Hence the 'Denial' of such illness
regardless of its type or condition persists in the
different stratum of our society. The nature of the illness
and how it is handled in the community in the past or the
stigma attached with such illness could be one of the
reasons for the denial.
Whatever the case may be it is high time, the community
should realize the seriousness of denying the mental status
of an individual. The Mental health is vital, for an
individual perhaps more emphasis need to be given as the
physical health. When we commit ourselves as healthy
individuals, the soundness of our mind has a vital role.
The ability of understanding the true nature of self and
ability to enjoy the life without harming others perhaps
makes a person mentally sound.
Deprivation in many form and capacities exists in our
societies such as caste, religion, socioeconomic status
including poverty. Therefore even though the individual has
a right to choose his own destiny in the life, there are
limitations and practical difficulties bound by the
individual's family the community and the society at large.
The financial status of a family, coupled with their status
in the community together with the so called family and
personal prestige, they would like to maintain even prevent
an individual from attaining his or her personal goal in
life,
Such an individual choose a career not for his personal
satisfaction, but to please others in their family, or to
satisfy their financial need or for self sustenance. Such
individual's may lack self-esteem, emotional maturity and in
general sound mental health regardless of the position they
hold . Lack of available opportunities in the country for
the individual's growth and potential also may be a deciding
factor in this respect.
Another reason for deprivation could be game playing for
selfish reasons and motives. In fact this is a topic that
needs to be discussed in length. People with poor self
esteem and who belong to low socio-economic strata are the
main culprits. They feel that they have nothing to lose.
Hence whatever they gain will always be an advantage to them.
So to conclude –Human mind is indeed a great marvel. Its
powers, composition, complexity, speed, dimensions, levels
are all to a great extent, unfathomed mysteries. The first
wonder about it is where it is seated. If you ask somebody
where his mind is, he will tap his chest to answer that it is
within. But if you look for, or even ransack the whole body,
both inside and outside you will never find it.
It is not an organ like the heart or liver. It is a virtual
screen on which the entire actions and reactions of our
nervous system are pictured for us to perceive and perform.
Mind is the total result of all the chemical, biological and
electrical processes taking place in the brain. That is why
if one's brain is seriously injured, his mental abilities are
often affected.
Hence it is clear that the brain is the abode of mind. So
which part of the body is to be treated when one's mind is
derailed or out of hinge? It is indeed the brain. And now
there are as many good and effective medicines for mental
disorders as there are medicines for the diseases affecting
other parts of the body.
Therefore if someone is mentally sick, don't turn to black
magic or exorcism; but take him to a good psychiatric
hospital and get him cured. The earlier, the better. Treat
mental illness; don't try to beat it out.
With prayers and blessings
H.G. Dr. Thomas Athanasius Metropolitan
President of the Trust
