Tranquil U – A Journey to Inner Harmony

“You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, or anxious. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.”
– Lori Deschene

On a scientific note, mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It encompasses how people think, feel and behave as it influences how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices in their lives. Mental health is an essential component of overall health and is as important as physical health. On a more understanding note, it is an integral part of our overall well-being which influences how we think, feel, and behave, impacting our ability to cope and maintain relationships as well as make decisions.

Even in modern society, prioritizing or even discussing mental health is frowned upon.  Many people struggle with mental health conditions, but they often feel isolated and believe they are alone in their experiences as it is treated as a stigma in most cultures.

Carrying the message that “Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step”, the Editors team of the Rotaract Club of Faculty of Science, University of Colombo launched the informative and apprehensive article series ‘Tranquil U’, a journey to inner harmony.

The crucial forecast of our initiative by discussing it openly aims to help normalize mental health challenges and show everyone struggling  that they are not alone. Our hope is that this can encourage individuals to seek help and feel more comfortable discussing their own mental health.

This informative thread began with an Introduction to Mental Health by Rtr. Mokshana Alahakoon who marveled at the fact that mental health is an essential component of overall health and plays a crucial role in every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. This also paved an open platform for further discussions on several aspects of mental health and its effects in a deeper sense. 

Afterwards, Reasons for Mental Health Issues were instigated by Rtr. Tharani Weeraman by exploring different  biological, psychological, environmental and socioeconomic factors in a descriptive and apprehensive manner, considering mental health conditions are complex and can vary greatly in severity and impact on individuals. It mainly brought light to how psychological factors affect one’s mental health in a distinctive pattern.

“Psychological factors are one of the more prominent reasons for mental disorders. Grief is often described as the sorrow and pain that follow a significant loss. It is normal to experience grief at the loss of a loved one, but a person may get lost in shock and pain if they do not develop appropriate ways to cope with their mindset.”

Mental disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. From anxiety and mood disorders to psychotic and personality disorders, these conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Next on Tranquil U, Rtr. Januthi Guruge opened the door to an edifying and insightful overlook at these via her review of Common Mental Health Disorders.

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier in our society. Despite growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, stigma continues to create a climate of silence and shame, preventing open conversations and hindering access to resources and support. Using her critique on The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health, Rtr. Dulari Udeshika portrayed that by dismantling the stigma, we can foster a society that embraces mental health as an integral part of overall well-being and ensures that individuals receive the care and support they deserve.

Mental health challenges can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender or background and seeking appropriate support is essential for managing symptoms and finding effective solutions while facing the stigma created by society. Therefore, next on the ‘Tranquil U’ series, Rtr. Rushini Imalka shared her account on The Importance of Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues.

“It is not necessary to be positive all the time. It is perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed or anxious. Having those feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. We are not born to be perfect.”

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, humans and stress have become inseparable companions. Stress, a natural response to challenges and pressures, is a universal experience that affects individuals in various aspects of their lives. Rtr. Vinuji Ranasinghe exhibited the need for understanding how stress weaves its way into one’s life  navigating it away  from a balanced and healthy lifestyle as she penned What is Stress?.

Next, via the article Effects of Mental Health on Day-to-Day Life, Rtr. Aadhila Nasir provided an example of how the influence of mental health on our everyday lives is extensive, affecting every facet of our lives, from our relationships and employment to our general well-being, in this educational thread on mental health. The narrative on the issue demonstrates the way the consequences of mental health are deeply woven into the fabric of our experiences, forming an ensemble of our everyday lives.

In the midst of life’s myriad demands and responsibilities, self-care practices and the importance of therapy emerge as beacons of light, guiding us towards balance, healing, and personal growth. However, recognizing that self-care is not a panacea, therapy stands as a transformative path towards deeper self-understanding, healing and growth. Rtr. Manandhi De Silva Jayasinghe illustrates about developing effective coping mechanisms through Self-Care Practices and Importance of Therapy.

“So, why is this self-care so important? It encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit good feelings to others. You can’t give others, what you don’t really have within yourself. Most people interpret self-care as selfish, which is a preconceived misconception.”

In the varied weave of overall well-being, the relationship between mental health and nutrition weaves a profound and often overlooked thread. Rtr. Nuha Mazahir took the reins in discussing how, while the connection between physical health and diet is widely recognized, emerging research highlights the significant impact of nutrition on our mental and emotional well-being via the commentary Mental Health and Nutrition. By recognizing the power of nutrition in promoting mental well-being, illuminating the potential for diet to not only nourish the body but also support optimal brain function but mental resilience too.

Self-esteem, the perception of our own value, worth and self-worth as well as the core belief in our inherent dignity are essential components of our psychological well-being. Rtr. Siluni Nisandara emphasized on Importance of Self-Esteem and Self-Worth and how they influence the way we perceive ourselves, interact with others, and navigate life’s challenges. Being confident in our abilities, accepting of our shortcomings and developing a resilient and caring outlook are all made possible by having a solid sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

“The fact to remember is that self-esteem and self-worth are not destinations but journeys. They require consistent effort, self-love, and self-acceptance. When self-esteem and self-worth are nurtured, a diamond is formed within the individual. They sparkle, radiate and truly live, rather than just exist.”

Coping with trauma is a deeply personal and intricate process and it can leave an indelible mark on one’s psyche, affecting their thoughts, emotions, relationships and overall well-being. Through understanding, support and effective coping strategies, broken hearts and souls can gradually integrate their experiences, find meaning amidst the pain, and reclaim the warmth they lost by embarking on the path of healing, Rtr. Methmi Chandrasiri portrays her thoughts on Coping with Trauma which is a nuanced process for everyone involved.

Concluding the series with a positive and hopeful ending to the overlook of mental health, Rtr. Amashi Uthpala brought light upon To Rise Together by Raising Awareness on Mental Health, emphasizing on how we can create a supportive and inclusive society that prioritizes the emotional well-being and tears down the barriers that hinder access to resources and all other aspects towards healing.

“Much attention is given during childhood to building a stronger and an intelligent mindset, however, is intelligence the same as mental health? Similar to aging, falling into the abyss of mental health issues is also often inevitable, and this may be encountered at different stages in life. However, like a tree that grows tall and mighty, owing to a good root system, humans too can walk ahead in life, steadily and stealthily, when nurtured with care, starting from childhood.”

Opening up about mental health is a personal decision and it’s important to consider one’s comfort level and relying on trusted individuals or support networks where they feel safe and supported. We hope our effort in sharing the message that ‘everyone’s feelings, experiences, and struggles are valid’ is successful and that we’ve encouraged you to reach out when assistance is needed, as you are a warrior but not a quitter. With that ending remark, Tranquil U, a journey to inner harmony warmly embraces its commencement.

By Rtr. Isuri Senevirathna