Health
Navigating the mental health epidemic: Challenges and solutions for a connected world

Today, we are confronted with the alarming threat of mental health disorders and a growing social divide worldwide. Shockingly, one out of every eight individuals on the planet is affected by some form of mental health issue, and tragically, every 40 seconds, someone takes their own life, writes Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (pictured).
An increasing number of individuals are experiencing feelings of being lost, lonely, or invisible. People are becoming more disconnected from one another, as well as from their own inner selves. This leads to heightened stress on an individual’s nervous system, which can ultimately lead to a downward spiral of discontent, depression, and even suicidal ideations. Such a negative outlook on life only serves to contribute to further societal polarization and violence.
As the world oscillates between extremes of aggression and depression, the growing impact of this endemic is causing widespread socio-economic disruptions. The challenges have only intensified in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial that we prioritize mental health and take proactive measures to address it.
Conventional methods used to address mental health issues worldwide are proving inadequate. This necessitates a fundamental change in our collaborative approach. Mental health problems affect people of all nationalities, social backgrounds, religions, and genders. Therefore, the solution must be inclusive and universal, and readily available without placing a significant burden on government resources.
We must work towards diminishing the social and cultural stigma that hinder progress in achieving robust mental health. This necessitates a collaborative approach involving governments, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and individuals. We must collectively raise awareness, educate people, and encourage open communication to create a safe and inclusive environment for seeking help. Ultimately, it’s everyone’s responsibility to combat taboo and discrimination in mental health.
Let us envisage a stress-free and violence-free society. And achieving such a society begins with cultivating healthy and resilient individuals that are also free from stress.
At an individual level, cultivating inner peace and maintaining high energy levels can be helpful in eliminating stress. When the mind is calm and clear, people are better equipped to make informed decisions with an understanding of the interconnectedness of life. The key to accessing this inner calm lies within our own breath. Our breath has the power to regulate emotions and thoughts, reduce anxiety, and eliminate stress and tension. We must educate and empower individuals on adopting a holistic approach to maintaining their mental hygiene. Individuals who transform their mental wellbeing through such practices not only excel in their personal lives but also become powerful agents for social change.
“Mental Health in a Fragmented World” – the theme of the upcoming Think Tank, organized by the World Forum for Ethics in Business, is a platform to address grave challenges facing the international community. This inter-connected crisis requires an all hands on deck approach to improving mental health and peace building.
The cost of inaction or inadequate action is too great to ignore. The impact of mental health issues not only affects individuals and their families, but also has wider implications for society and the economy. Let’s work together to create a more connected and compassionate world, where people are resilient, they feel supported and can co-exist with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is founder of The Art of Living Foundation (1981) and International Association for Human Values (1997), active in 180 countries. Considered by Forbes as the fifth most influential Indian, he founded the World Forum for Ethics in Business which regularly convenes through conferences in the European Parliament and around the world.
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