DR MARGARET NAKHID-CHATOOR
NOT ALL of us can swipe a card easily at the supermarket to pay for groceries or are able to put three square meals on the table to feed our families on a daily basis. In the last two years, the uncertainties of the pandemic created many job losses and pay cuts for men and women who have had to make major adjustments to their lifestyles and minimise their eating choices and expenditures.
What may seem like 'no big thing' for some has become a constant worry, shame and embarrassment for many, when the money is gone and the month has just begun. When the costs of living rise faster than our wages, more people will experience financial difficulties, and money worries will impact mental health in a serious and debilitating way.
Why are so many groceries unashamedly exploiting their loyal customers by such exorbitant increases in food prices, the worst that I have ever seen in this country, thus placing a strain on many households? Wages have not increased and there seems to be no sympathy for a population that is bending under this increased strain on pocket and tolerance levels. Something has to give and it has begun to show in the increases in criminal activities, suicide rates, relationship issues and general poor mental health and well-being.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for this year is 'Make mental health and wellness a global priority.' Is mental health a priority for policymakers in this society, who shake their symbolic whips and make us jump every time that budget changes are made in the interest of the economy? No real concern seems to be given as to how these 'necessary' measures have begun to affect the overall mental health of citizens and, more importantly, no time given to make adjustments to these changes in households. At least these changes could have come into effect in the new year, giving people time, yet again, to see where corners could be cut.
Without money, it is a fact that people feel vulnerable, display many anxiety-related symptoms and panic attacks, as they constantly worry about unpaid bills and mouths to feed, which can lead them into choosing undesirable behaviours such as the 'pimping' out of their girl and boy children, and other nefarious activities.
The move to increase the retirement age from 60 years to 65 years is a key example of a lack of awareness on the effect of financial changes to mental well-being. Sure, it will ease the economy, but will it ease the anxieties and sleepless nights of those who were looking forward to a much-needed rest, after more than 45 years for some, in the workplace?
This disregard and continued lack of awareness about the significance of mental health and well-being for this society by significant stakeholders was clearly seen in the Republic Day awards. Many accolades were given to everything else, but not even a mention to the mental health counsellors and hotline experts who helped more than 2,000 citizens, free of c
