Mental health is an integral part of an individual’s overall health and well-being. Good mental health allows people to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. A person’s mental health contributes to their emotional, psychological and social well-being which in turn effects how they think, feel and behave.

However, even in this day and age, there are still many taboos surrounding mental health that prevent people from seeking help or discussing their experiences. Some common mental health taboos include the belief that mental illness is a personal weakness or a character flaw. Many people opine that an individual should be able to simply “snap out” of such problems. These stigmas often discourage people from seeking treatment and can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness. In reality, mental health is as important as physical health. Look at it this way, if a person were diagnosed with a physical ailment like High Blood pressure or Diabetes – there is no stigma associated in talking about it or consulting a doctor. Sadly, mental health is not met with the same response.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of mental health, as the stress and uncertainty associated with the virus have led to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The pandemic has also disrupted normal routines and social support systems, making it even more challenging for people to maintain their mental health. As a result, it has become increasingly important for people to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed.

Learning Space Foundation aims to break the taboos and has been active in promoting mental health and addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.