Being Mindful, Not Mindfull!

By Arshia Bawa

Grade XII

Heritage School, New Delhi 

Being a student of psychology and sociology, I constantly wonder the impact of the prevailing situation on the mental health of people in our society. 

Mental health issues, especially in our society, are as it is a highly stigmatized topic. Someone going for therapy or even talking about it, will definitely raise eyebrows. This will not only dissuade the person from seeking help but also make them a target for lifelong speculation by others. 

In fact, I based my research project in sociology this year (2021), on the same topic, wherein I conducted a survey including 16 questions with about 50 subjects, and the findings were intriguing. 

My subjects included high school students, teachers, medical professionals, artists, entertainers, academicians, etc. Though most people had an insight about what certain disorders actually meant, and believed therapy might help in some or the other way, but hardly a handful of them had actually reached out to a mental health professional themself or heard of anyone in their circle doing so. 

Our modern society is plagued with extreme competitiveness and materialism. Everyone, is as though a matchstick, ready to be lit at the slightest push. I strongly believe that even the slightest nudge, the slightest stress or anxiety, if not dealt with appropriately at the right time, can lead to serious damage in the long run, and can lead to ripple effects in all dimensions of one's life, be it personal or professional. 

Time to reach out...time to ask for help, whenever needed. 

Arshia Bawa is a versatile student who enjoys photography, graphic designing, trekking, music and pottery. She believes in the goodness of the society and its capability to change for the better. Arshia wishes to fight for climate change, and also wants to work towards geo-specific issues such as poverty and poor living conditions.