There is no refutation about the fact that mental illness in our country is often associated with an unnecessary taboo or stigma and fear. Acc to WHO it affects about 7.5% population of our country which is absolutely correct cause only 7.5% of us had the courage to come forward and open up about their mental disorder.
When we talk about mental illness, the only disorder that people commonly know of is depression (which is not wrong) but there is whole other baggage of mental disorders that weighs our country down, like OCD, panic disorders, phobias, PTSD, schizophrenia to name a few. And yet we are still hesitant or should I say ashamed to talk about it apparently due to lack of awareness..
As someone who has battled with mental illness, I know it would've been impossible to treat it if I didn't have proper knowledge and insight.
Hence, it is important for schools to get involved in teaching it at a very basic level so that, Atleast the future of India have an idea what to do when they go through it or are able to catch signs that someone around them needs help.
So here I am along with others like me begging the government to add mental health to the school curriculum. Not a workshop, not a seminar, not a convention but actual regular classes making the students aware and educate them about their own mind. By this drill they can not only become aware of their mental well-being but also process and express it in a healthy manner which in turn will help them to fight and deal with it on their own when they do not have external help.
So please come forward and participate in this worthy cause. It's free.