Mental balance is acquired by our overall approach to life. This is very variable depending on each individual’s circumstances, interests, expectations, culture and beliefs, said Professor in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Shehan Williams in an interview with the Sunday Observer.
Human beings should never underestimate the ability of the human mind to cope and deal with difficulties. Uncertainty is nothing new and our minds have an immense ability to adapt and deal with the most extreme situations, he added.
Excerpts
Q: Sri Lankans lead stressful lives these days with constant protests, price hikes, fuel shortages affecting their lives on a daily basis. It is no easy task to maintain mental balance as human beings often worry about their future. Also we had to face many difficulties during the pandemic. There has been a lot of discussion about the need to stay mentally fit at such a difficult time. What advice would you give to overcome fear and anxiety?
A: We should never underestimate the ability of the human mind to cope and deal with difficulties. Human beings have been beset with calamity from time immemorial. Uncertainty is nothing new and our minds have an immense ability to adapt and deal with the most extreme situations.
Therefore, worry and stress are normal symptoms and we should be careful not to medicalise the distress we see around us. We naturally talk about it with everyone we meet and ventilate our frustration.
These are natural processes that help up cope. There is a commonality in the experiences that we share at this point in time.
This being said, the most difficult aspect of the current crises is that it is totally man-made. This is unlike natural disasters which are outside our control. There is despair and extreme anger as people have been let down by the very people on whom they placed their trust to govern them.
Q: What are the symptoms of mental imbalance? Especially when it is not hereditary, but sudden, rather than gradual?
A: Many persons may develop restless or poor sleep. This is the commonest symptom initially when a person has to adjust to an uncertain situation. Others may show irritability or anger outbursts. These may flag initial imbalance which can be dealt with positively.
Recognising them and taking measures not to feed ourselves with too much negative information, like reading social media posts or listening to apocalyptic predictions and even listening to sensationalised news reports can certainly help.
Making sure that we take time to rest, relax, eat healthy and exercise is also important.
Q: What activities/ exercises are required to maintain mental balance / stay mentally fit?
A: There is no magical activity or exercise to maintain mental balance.
We need to be especially careful as there are many people who capitalise on the situation and exploit vulnerable people by promoting various practices as a cure for all ills!
Mental balance is acquired by our overall approach to life. This is very variable depending on each person’s circumstances, interests, expectations, culture and beliefs.
There are two important aspects to this though. One is how we reframe our mind to face difficult situations. Our world view will have to be accommodative of uncertainty.
Uncertainty is the only constant certainty!
Be mindful that I am not talking here of ‘positive thinking’. That is really an aspect of ‘Pop Psychology’ which has very little scientific credence.
We need to be realistic in our thinking and not fool ourselves that everything is tickety boo. If we do so we will wake up to a hard reality that all is not well in this fair isle of ours.
The second aspect is engaging ourselves in activities that help us relax and not be overwhelmed by the happenings around us.
These activities will be determined by each person in terms of what they like best. It could be anything from walking, cycling, to intense sport, to singing, listening to music, reading, dancing, yoga, meditation, mindfulness and a myriad other things.
Q: Some people lose temper very often for the slightest matter and would behave in an aggressive manner. At which point should such a person seek medical help? What is your advice for their family members?
A: This is certainly a time when we have to make an effort to be patient and tolerant.
Even if a person in a family or group becomes angry or aggressive it is important for the others to be calm and diffuse the situation.
A one off episode of anger or aggression is not necessarily a sign of mental illness. It is when such behaviour persists that medical help should be sought.
Q: Mental diseases are stigmatised in countries like ours. As a result many are reluctant to seek medical help. What is your observation?
A: Yes, mental illness is considered a weakness of the mind. This is certainly not true. Even the strongest of people can be affected by mental disorders.
Q: What medical assistance is available in Sri Lanka for such people?
A: Today, all western medical doctors have a good understanding of mental illness as it is no different from medical illness. It is always good to discuss any concern with a trusted doctor.
All hospitals in Sri Lanka have services for mental health issues and anyone can present to any out-patient department with your mental health queries.
The National Institue of Mental Health too has a hotline 1926 that can assist in finding your nearest service.