On World Mental Health Day on October 10, actor Umesh Ghadge, who is currently seen in the show Advocate Anjali Awasthi as Advocate Raghav Singh Rajput, says that people have begun to understand the importance of good mental health. The actor adds that social media, along with other forms of information has played a significant role in this awareness.
"I feel mental health-related concerns have always existed, but people in the past did not give them much importance because they were unaware of the seriousness. Now, thanks to the internet and open conversations on television shows, social media, and podcasts, people have become more educated and have started to understand the severity and importance of good mental health," he says.
When asked how he takes care of his own mental health, he explains, "I try to spend time in nature. I exercise whenever I can, and if I can’t, I at least walk for 30 minutes. I eat a balanced diet and make sure to sleep for a minimum of 8 hours. I also minimize my screen time and social media use because I believe these are the biggest contributors to anxiety and depression today. Additionally, I work on controlling negative thoughts and practice gratitude for the things I have, rather than feeling anxious about what I don’t."
He continues, "I am quite an introvert. I only share intimate things with someone when I feel completely comfortable; otherwise, I tend to keep things to myself. I enjoy solitude."
The pace of life today is very fast, and we often overindulge and multitask, which makes it even more difficult to maintain balance, he says. "That’s why I believe it’s essential to set your priorities right and focus on them. We are bombarded with too much information nowadays, and as a result, our attention span is decreasing, which affects our ability to enjoy the simple things in life."
Sharing two tips for maintaining mental health, he says, "You’re lucky if you have a pet. Spending time with a pet is great therapy. When I’m on set, I like to spend my free time with street dogs around the area. Another tip is to interact with strangers or greet 10 new people by saying, ‘Good morning, have a nice day,’ after stepping out of the house. Also, listening to soothing instrumental music helps."
He concludes, "If nothing else works, please seek professional help as soon as possible. Don’t worry about what others might say because it’s your life at the end of the day. You are the writer, director, and lead actor of your own story. Even if the beginning isn’t great, it’s in your hands to give it a good ending."
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