Dr. Sivabalan Elangovan
MBBS, M.D. (Psychiatry)
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On 28th June, 2024, Periyar Medical Mission convened a meet at Periyar Thidal in Chennai under the caption – “Physical Health and Mental Health”. Dr. Sivabalan, a reputed expert in mental health field, delivered a thought provoking speech explaining the power of human mind and the necessity of mental health. I must share his views with all the readers and stress that besides a sound body we need a sound mind too, in order to make our life lovable.
Generally we consult doctors when we suffer from multiple biological complications but we feel shy to consult mental health experts. This inhibition must be given up. When we are mentally disturbed and experience abnormal outlet of emotions, we should seek help from experts in psychiatry before it is too late.
We suffer silently imagining insanity.
Stress and depressions are curable indeed. We have to look for their roots. Man is a social animal. He cannot exist like an island. He needs shoulders to lean on and frankly talk about his problems with absolute openness. We live in a fast world. We build mental walls and isolate ourselves concealing our sick mind. Society is based on the concept of interdependence. We must care for the people who have mental health problems. We should seek help from others when we have similar problems.
Since mind has no concrete structure people fabricate irrational causes for mind related problems. Many people seek superstitious solutions for mental problems. Active social life is essential for a sound mind. Today’s youth do not mingle with others to interact jovially. They have confined themselves to WhatsApp, Instagram and hundreds of other modes. Technology has stifled mutual human contacts.
Deep knowledge with a sick mind is like an unbridled horse. Hence, a short life with a sound mind is better than a long life with a sick mind. The health of society depends on the healthy mind of every individual. Mind is a FUNCTIONAL UNIT like the computers. Hardware can be seen, but software is invisible. Human mind is like software. Our body is like Hardware. Just as computers need both in a perfect condition, our invisible mind should also be as healthy as our body. Dear readers, always mind the health of your mind. The rest in my next.
Source: ‘Viduthalai’ , ‘Unmai’
