Covid has made the world realise the importance of mental well-being. While most of us took care of our physical health, we ignored the issues of our minds. Not to forget the social taboos attached to those dealing with mental health. However, many are of the opinion that times are changing.
Depression and anxiety have become common ailments, or as doctors say, for a change people are slowly starting to openly talk about it. Arun Mandola, known for shows Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman and Vignaharta Ganesha, is happy that people have finally started realising the importance of mental health.
“Depression is the biggest concern in Indian society. I used to listen to my friend’s parents and relatives that ‘Arrey yeh depression vipression kuch nahi hota hai Dr ka paisa kamane ka dhandha hai’. A lot of people die of it without knowing that they were suffering from this ailment. There is no awareness of mental health in India. Though things have started to open up, we still have a long way to go,” he says.
Even Arun also had this typical mindset, but slowly he understood the gravity of this issue. He shares an example to explain his experience.
“In the last three years, I have realised Viral fever is equally dangerous as Covid 19. Lots of people die every year due to viral fever but still not much awareness. Both Covid 19 and viral fever spread easily. Whenever anyone gets a fever in the family, others follow suit. It means most of the family spends 20k every year on common fever. This is a very serious issue but who cares? The same thing is with depression. In India the word ‘depression’ is a curse for the common man, we are still afraid of it, and judge those who suffer from it. In my life, I saw only two health campaigns: Aids and TB. Thanks to Baba Ramdev who re-introduced Yoga worldwide, otherwise 15years back people forgot about this magical solution that can cure so much,” he adds.
The comfort and accessibility that technology has added to our fast-paced life, no one is able to slow down. Everyone wants to do more, do better than the other and earn as much money as possible, sometimes even by hook or crook. Life definitely has changed a lot.
“In 1960, China and India were in the same position but now China is so developed and one of the topmost countries of the world. After Coronavirus, I feel we have also been able to match steps with its development. I am happy that I am watching this phase and in the coming 5 year is going to be a game changer for India. Each and every country wants to work with India. I have started reading Bhagavad Gita and found the purpose of my life. It is very important for each and every human to know the purpose of their lives. I’m lucky that I understood it timely. Once you understand the purpose of your life then look at everything around you differently,” he says.
