International Yoga Day 2024
Yoga is commonly perceived as a form of physical exercise, yet its advantages go well beyond the realm of the body. In our modern, fast-paced society, individuals are grappling with mental health challenges. Numerous endeavours have been undertaken to gauge the prevalence of mental health issues worldwide, including in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have dedicated significant efforts towards this pursuit.
Mental health issues are on the rise for various reasons. A study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in 2017 revealed that approximately 792 million individuals worldwide are affected by mental disorders, leading to a diminished quality of life. This accounts for slightly over one in ten people globally (10.7%). Depression stands out as the most prevalent mental disorder, with around 264 million individuals diagnosed with depressive disorders in 2017. Shockingly, nearly 40% of countries lack fundamental mental health services and infrastructure.
The NIMH conducted a survey in 2015-16 throughout India, revealing that 10.6% of the population suffered from mental health issues. The life-span prevalence rate was recorded at 13.7%. The evaluation and assessment were based on the ICD-10 range of mental disorders, specifically F10-F49. It is estimated that approximately 150 million individuals in India require substantial assistance and treatment. These disorders are more prevalent in metropolitan cities compared to rural and small cities with populations under 10 million. The incidence and occurrence of schizophrenia and other psychoses accounted for 0.64%, mood disorders stood at 5.6%, and neurotic or stress-related disorders at 6.93%. These figures are three times higher in urban areas of metro cities compared to rural areas. The rate and occurrence of mental illnesses are significantly higher in metro cities than in small cities or villages. The reasons for these higher rates in metro cities can be attributed to factors such as a busy lifestyle, work pressure, a lack of feeling at home, poor relationships or support from family, and dietary habits.
Approximately 1% of the Indian population is believed to be at risk of committing suicide. This tendency is higher among individuals aged 40-49 (1.19%), with 1.14% being females and 1.71% residing in urban areas. Among those surveyed, half identified suicide as a co-morbid condition, while the other half considered it a primary diagnosis.
The study further indicated that approximately 1% of the populace had experienced severe mental illness previously, with around 0.8% being identified as mentally unwell and diagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, or other forms of psychosis and behavioural disorders. The majority of those affected were males residing in urban areas. Individuals aged between 30 and 49 years were significantly impacted by mental health issues. This age group is typically viewed as dynamic, industrious, and effective in their societal contributions. Hence, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being of this demographic.
The survey revealed a disparity in mental illness rates between genders, with 13.9% of males and 7.5% of females experiencing such conditions. Among teenagers aged 13-17, the prevalence rate was 7.3%, indicating a significant need for care and intervention for approximately 9.8 million individuals, regardless of gender.
Effect of Mental Health on Various Body Parts
Several studies have been conducted to identify the effects of stress on the human nervous system over the years; many of them reveal that prolonged stress may cause changes to the structure of the brain. The mind has the power to affect the immune system as well. The biological effects of stress on the body are not only detrimental to the existing body functions but also hold power to inhibit the proper functioning of the human immune system. The cardiovascular system, or the ‘heart’ (in layman’s language) is the most important central unit of the body. What an engine is to a machine, the heart is to the body. Society is no stranger to the harmful effects of stress on different body parts, including the heart. But what seems to be overlooked is the extent to which stress cripples cardiovascular health.
Doctors, researchers, and other experts have emphasised for years the importance of a healthy mind and heart for a healthy body. It can never be emphasised enough that stress can harm major body functions to an unimaginable extent. Every study has deduced that stress not only harms but even has the capability to damage certain body systems altogether. Similarly, just as stress impairs the heart and mind, it can also cripple the gastrointestinal system (GIS). As the GIS is linked to the brain, its functions connected to brain cells and tissues go haywire when subjected to nervous tension. Stress also hampers amygdala (collection of cells near the base of the brain) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), (one of the two major dopaminergic areas in the brain, which is involved with various cognitive and emotional processes). Hormones are responsible for the growth and development through puberty, moods, and many other major functions of the body. Any disturbance in the endocrine system can create hormonal imbalances in the body. Hormonal imbalance is a medical condition in which hormones behave in a chaotic manner so as to deviate from what they are supposed to do.
ROLE OF MIND IN PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES
Health is and should be the most prized possession of any human being. While researchers, doctors, teachers, and even the elders in the family have been laying emphasis on the importance of health for ages, most of them refer to physical health and well-being. How fit a person is physically has become the measure of our overall health. What we have failed to acknowledge all these years is that health is two-dimensional in nature. It cannot just be summarised in blood sugar levels, heart rate, platelet count, etc. A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body, if not more so. As we have been programmed to be ignorant of our mental health, addressing the issues of the mind might seem a bit like an alien concept.
While modern science has its own take on treating mental disorders, ancient texts and scriptures also provide insights into the causes and treatments of mental issues. Ancient texts and teachings have intricately explained the causes of mental illness. Teachings in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra provide identification, explanation, and modification of causes to cure mental illness. According to the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, five Kleshas, or afflictions, are the main reasons for all mental suffering. The five negative states of mind or ‘afflictions’ are as given below. 1. Avidya (ignorance) 2. Asmita (egoism) 3. Raga (attachment to material world) 4. Dvesa (aversion or hatred) 5. Abhinivesha (fear of death and attachment for life).
ROLE OF YOGA IN MENTAL HEALTH
The word ‘Yoga’ means union with whom, i,e., ‘who’ and ‘whom’ would be in union. The concept of Yoga has been well enunciated by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. One of the sutras states thus:
Athyoganushasanam (P.Y.S., 1.1)
YogashchittavrittiNirodhah (P.Y.S., 1.2)
Tada drashtuswarupeawasthanam (P.Y.S., 1.3)
The sutra says a lot about the role of Yoga, how it affects, where it affects, and what be the outcome. Yoga is a discipline in which you learn to rule over your subtle nature through training of mind and body; the training takes place in and on your mind and body, so that you can see and place yourself as the real you. Thus, Yoga expresses harmony with your own individual consciousness and nature. Its technique starts from the grassroots level, which is the physiological level. The sutra also highlights the Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Prathyahar, Dharna, Dhyana, Samadhi).The practice and adaptation of Ashtanga Yoga in one’s life is helpful in removing ‘Chittavrittis’ and Vikshep It gives a steady and calm mind, which is free from all kinds of ‘Klishta’ and ‘Alklisht Vrittis’, which helps a person control, manage, and regulate his/her mind in the right way. The concept of ‘Chittprasadnam’ in Yoga talks about how one can remain positive even in adverse situations by cultivating positive thoughts Remember, yoga is a journey, not a destination. With consistent practice, you can cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace that extends far beyond the yoga mat.
