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By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

Mental Health: As Important as Physical Health

Seeking help for mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing and growth. For years, people have understood the importance of maintaining physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and regular medical check-ups. However, an equally important aspect of well-being—mental health—has often been overlooked. Today, mental health has become a major topic of discussion as increasing numbers of people struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional...

Mental Health: As Important as Physical Health

Seeking help for mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing and growth. For years, people have understood the importance of maintaining physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and regular medical check-ups. However, an equally important aspect of well-being—mental health—has often been overlooked. Today, mental health has become a major topic of discussion as increasing numbers of people struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional burnout. This growing awareness reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves equal attention. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, handle stress, and relate to others. A person may appear physically fit yet silently battle emotional difficulties that impact every area of life. Good mental health helps us cope with challenges, make sound decisions, build healthy relationships, and enjoy a better quality of life. Many people believe that mental health problems are a modern phenomenon. In reality, conditions such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress existed in previous generations as well. The difference is that they were often ignored, misunderstood, or hidden due to social stigma. People were expected to suppress their emotions and "stay strong", which prevented many from seeking help. Today, increased awareness and better understanding have brought these issues into the spotlight. Several factors have contributed to the rise in mental health concerns. One major reason is the fast-paced nature of modern life. People constantly face pressure to succeed academically, professionally, and financially. The fear of failure and uncertainty about the future can create significant stress. Additionally, social media has transformed the way people interact and perceive themselves. Constant comparison with others' seemingly perfect lives can lead to low self-esteem, dissatisfaction, and anxiety. Another contributing factor is loneliness and reduced social connections. Despite being more digitally connected than ever before, many individuals lack meaningful face-to-face interactions and emotional support systems. Financial worries, family conflicts, work-related stress, and unresolved personal trauma also play a role in affecting mental well-being. Recognising the signs of poor mental health is essential. Persistent sadness, excessive worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal are some common warning signs. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious emotional and physical health problems over time. The good news is that mental health can be nurtured and protected through simple yet effective practices. Regular physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood. Adequate sleep is equally important, as it helps the brain recover and function effectively. Maintaining a balanced diet, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and taking breaks from technology can also contribute positively to mental well-being. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and gratitude journaling help individuals manage stress and develop emotional resilience. Learning to set healthy boundaries and seeking support when needed are also important aspects of self-care. Professional therapy can be extremely beneficial for those facing ongoing emotional difficulties. A therapist provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can discuss their concerns, understand their emotions, and learn coping strategies. Seeking therapy should never be viewed as a sign of weakness; rather, it is a proactive step toward healing and personal growth. Ultimately, mental health is not merely the absence of illness but the presence of emotional balance, resilience, and well-being. Just as we care for our bodies, we must care for our minds. By promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging healthy habits, we can create a society where mental health is valued and supported. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand, forming the foundation of a happy, productive, and fulfilling life. (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

India working on logistics of Tahawwur Rana's extradition

  • PTI
  • Feb 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 18, 2025

Tahawwur Rana

Washington: India is working on the logistics of Tahawwur Rana's surrender and extradition from the US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said, as President Donald Trump announced that his administration has given the go-ahead to extradite the 26/11 terror attack accused “to face justice".

“This is an issue on which the US authorities have taken very clear decisions. I think you've seen the President announce it himself from the White House podium" the decision of the US to extradite Rana, Misri said at a press conference here on Thursday.


During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved the extradition of "very evil" Tahawwur Rana, wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "to face justice in India”.


In response to a question by PTI on the timeframe by when Rana will be extradited to India, Misri said: "We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed. The two sides are in touch on this particular issue.”


The India-US joint statement issued during the Prime Minister's visit to the US notes that Modi and Trump reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world.

“They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021," the joint statement said.


“Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved," it said.


The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks.

"The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors,” the joint statement added.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Speaking at the joint press meet, Trump said "Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice."


The extradition of Rana was cleared by the US Supreme Court in January as it rejected his review petition in the case.


India last month said it was working with American authorities for the early extradition of Rana.


"The US Supreme Court on January 21 declined to hear a petition from the accused. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.


In November 2012, Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman among the Pakistani group, was hanged to death in Yerawada Jail in Pune.

-PTI

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