Holistic Mental Health & life Coaching | Psychlth by Swati Ghoshal

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental well-being is a state in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can manage the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute meaningfully to their community. In simple terms, mental health is your inner strength to cope with life’s challenges, emotions, and stressors.

In India, the growing concern around mental health is hard to ignore. WHO reports that around 7.5% of the Indian population currently suffers from mental illness, and by the end of this year, nearly 20% of Indians are expected to experience some form of mental health issue.

This underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness, accessible therapy, and emotional support systems to promote overall well-being.

What Can a Counsellor Do That My Friends Can't?

While friends offer comfort and a listening ear, a professional counsellor provides structured, research-backed support that goes beyond casual conversations. Counselling is a scientific discipline grounded in psychology, evidence-based practices, and proven therapeutic techniques.

A trained counsellor undergoes extensive education and supervised practice to effectively help individuals deal with emotional, behavioural, psychological, career-related, and relationship issues. Unlike friendly advice, counselling involves tested methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, and other therapeutic tools designed for lasting impact.

In short, your friends may offer sympathy—but a counsellor offers strategy, clarity, and long-term solutions to help you grow, heal, and thrive.

Do I Really Need Therapy?

It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about seeking therapy. Your concerns are valid—the stigma around mental health and therapy is still very real. While society encourages us to visit a doctor for physical pain, struggling with emotional or psychological pain is often misunderstood or judged harshly. You're told to "stay strong" or "snap out of it," and any sign of vulnerability is wrongly labeled as weakness or instability.

But here’s the truth: mental health is just as important as physical health. You wouldn’t ignore a broken bone or a persistent fever—so why ignore emotional distress, anxiety, burnout, or depression?

While friends and family may offer support, therapy provides professional, structured help from trained experts who use evidence-based methods to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Just like your body has the ability to heal itself with the right treatment, your mind, too, can recover—with proper guidance and care.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength and self-awareness.

When Should You Seek Help for Mental Health Issues?

There is no “perfect” time to seek help for mental health concerns—the right time is whenever you notice changes that affect your or your loved one’s daily functioning.

If you or someone in your family is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychological changes that negatively impact personal, social, or professional life, it’s a strong indicator that professional support may be needed.

Watch out for red flags such as:

Excessive anger or irritability
Oversleeping or insomnia
Difficulty concentrating or extreme inattention
Trouble adjusting to new situations
Unexplained or unusual behavior

These signs may suggest underlying mental health concerns that should not be ignored. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

People with existing physical health conditions should take special care, as mental health issues can often compound their overall well-being.

Is Counselling Too Expensive? Think Again!

Many people hesitate to seek therapy because they believe it’s too costly. But the truth is, most counsellors charge fees that are comparable to, or even lower than, what you'd pay for a medical consultation. More importantly, investing in your mental health can actually reduce the need for frequent visits to a physician.

Research shows a strong connection between mental and physical health. People struggling with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or chronic stress are more likely to develop preventable physical illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer.

Early mental health support can prevent long-term health complications. As the saying goes, "a stitch in time saves nine." Seeking counseling at the right time may reduce the need for costly medical interventions down the line.

Additionally, medications prescribed for mental health issues can sometimes have side effects that affect your energy levels and motivation. Therapy, on the other hand, helps you address the root causes without immediate reliance on medication.

In fact, studies reveal that nearly one-third of people with chronic physical conditions also experience mental health issues, most commonly anxiety and depression. Addressing both together through counselling can lead to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.

How Does Mental Health Affect Your Physical Health?

Your mental health and physical health are deeply connected. According to studies, positive psychological well-being can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When you feel mentally strong, you’re more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, manage stress effectively, and maintain good overall health.

On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to poor physical health and unhealthy habits such as lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, or substance abuse. Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can also weaken your immune system, increase inflammation, and worsen chronic conditions.

Research also shows that individuals with depression or other mental health disorders have a higher mortality rate from serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Mental health struggles can make it more difficult to manage chronic illnesses, stick to treatment plans, or maintain the motivation needed for recovery.

Caring for your mental health isn't just about feeling better emotionally—it's a vital step toward protecting your physical health too.

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