Chandigarh: Mental Health Week was observed from October 4 to 10 with an aim to develop a better understanding of mental health at the workplace. The Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh, organised a series of events led by Dr Ajit Sidana, Head, Department of Psychiatry. This year’s theme ‘Mental Health at Workplace’ emphasises the critical need for mental health awareness and support in the professional environment. As part of this initiative, a week-long programme was organised to sensitise patients and caregivers visiting GMCH about mental health, including a ‘Nukkad Natak’ (street play) highlighting major mental health conditions, their symptoms and available treatment. In another event organised at Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, veteran psychiatrist Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh emphasised the need to practise resilience to adapt to stressors in order to maintain psychological health. According to him, resilient people are able to adapt to day-to-day stress, distress and trauma. “They are able to recover from the ups and downs of life and move on in a normal way,” he said, adding that he spoke on several other issues including coping strategies, lifestyle changes, exercise and yoga to maintain mental health. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Shubh Mohan Singh from the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, shared that mental health has intrinsic and vital importance and is integral to our well-being. Professor Shubh Mohan expressed his concern over the high suicide rate, especially among young adults, which he feels is an Indian problem. ‘Momentary stress can be avoided’ ‘Nowhere in the world would you have heard of a student committing suicide because of getting low marks or failing in a subject, or a young boy or girl taking their own life because of a breakup, financial loss. All these actions are all a result of momentary stress (temporary and more quickly resolved sources of stress) that can be easily avoided with a ‘not today’ approach.
He said, “After a few months or days, a person may not feel as much mental stress for temporary losses such as a relationship, money or job.” Speaking specifically about this year’s theme ‘Mental Health at Workplace’, Prof. Shubh Mohan explained how government employees are often more prone to stress than corporate employees, as corporate employees value the job much more. “For government employees, quitting the job would be the last straw and it guarantees many things like financial security, family security or prestige in society.” Workplace mental health is a major concern in India. A survey conducted by Deloitte in 2022 found that 47% of Indian employees reported experiencing stress or anxiety at the workplace. Dr. Hardeep Singh, Senior Consultant, Department of Mental Health at a private hospital, explained that every workplace has its own story related to stress, but there are ways to manage mental stress. He said, “Companies should consider implementing mental health calculators to assess the level of stress at the workplace. This can be done by ensuring that mental health coverage is included in employee insurance plans.” Stay mentally healthy According to Professor Shubh Mohan, staying mentally healthy is no different from staying physically healthy. All healthy lifestyle practices are responsible for mental health.
