I’ve been working in the mental health space for a while now, and if there’s one thing that keeps echoing in my mind, it’s this: are we truly progressing, or just scratching the surface?

We talk about awareness. We talk about breaking the stigma. We’ve got mental health budgets, helplines, and institutions like NIMHANS doing solid work. And yes, the government is finally starting to put mental health on the map—which is important. But still, something feels missing.

Why?

Because the real issues are often overlooked.

We don’t talk enough about what’s happening inside the minds of children and teenagers, especially those dealing with poverty, violence, or trauma. We don’t see mental health as “real” unless someone breaks down. We often wait too long. And by the time we react, it’s already too late.

Let’s not wait for that moment.

💔 We All Know Someone

Maybe it’s your quiet coworker.

Maybe it’s a student sitting alone in class.

Maybe it’s you.

The stats are loud—suicide is among the leading causes of death, especially for young people. But beyond numbers, it’s real people. Real pain. Real silence.

🌱 What if Schools Had Mental Health Guardians?

Imagine every school had someone whose job wasn’t just discipline or grades—but to listen. To be there. For the child who feels unseen. For the teacher who’s burnt out.

Not a counselor locked in an office once a week, but someone present. A guardian of mental space. Doesn’t every child deserve that?

🤝 It’s Not Just About Therapy – It’s About Us

Yes, therapy helps. But what helps more is how we treat each other every day.

• Do we create safe spaces to talk?
• Do we check on our friends?
• Do we listen without fixing?
• Do we hold space for silence?

Mental health isn’t just a clinical issue. It’s a human issue. A community issue.

🌍 Our Environment Matters Too

Did you know pollution can affect mental health too? Noise, toxic air, crowded cities—they create stress we barely notice. When nature is sick, we feel it too. Caring for the planet is caring for ourselves.

🌈 What Can We Do?

This isn’t just the government’s job. It’s ours.

Let’s:

• Talk openly about mental health, at home, at work, in schools.
• Push for real mental health support, not token efforts.
• Teach empathy, gratitude, and emotional skills early.
• Create a culture where it’s okay to not be okay.

📝 This is Just the Start

This article is just my way of starting a conversation I hope grows bigger. I plan to write more—on children’s mental health, the impact of poverty, mental wellness in workplaces, and more.

Let’s care. Let’s listen. Let’s show up.

Because mental health is not just about surviving—it’s about living fully.