The Holistic Health Revolution: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health

Abstract

In life, sound health is an essential feature without which an individual cannot lead a purposeful life. Lack of sound health hampers potential development of human being which in turn obstructs the development of human society or community. Hence health is not a subject of individual issue rather a public concern. Thus, even with the advancement of science and technology today, the World Health Organization has rightly stated that Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. In our country, healthcare often focuses on physical ailments, overlooking mental, emotional, and social well-being. This paper explores health rights through a holistic lens, highlighting gaps in India’s healthcare system. It discusses the interplay of mental health stigma, and access to care, where resources are scarce and awareness is limited. The impact of socio-economic factors, cultural norms and gender roles on health outcomes is also examined. This paper furthermore aims to highlight and discuss initiatives to provide support and services for not just stereotype physical health but mental health too, since more needs to be done to abridge the treatment gap and promote awareness about mental health considering its rapid proliferation.