Are we truly healthy, or is there any moment when the mind is completely at peace—free from thoughts, worries, or pressure? For most individuals, such mental stillness seems achievable only during deep sleep. In waking hours, the mind remains constantly occupied, navigating responsibilities, expectations, and uncertainties. This continuous cognitive load has increasingly emerged as a significant determinant of health.
In recent years, mental health has moved from the margins of healthcare discourse to the centre of public attention. Rising rates of depression, anxiety, burnout and suicides particularly among students and professionals have brought to light an uncomfortable yet critical reality: prolonged stress does not remain confined to the mind.
Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure. Short-term stress can enhance focus and performance, but chronic stress becomes harmful. When the mind remains in a constant state of alert, stress hormones such as cortisol stay elevated, disrupting sleep, appetite, immunity, and emotional balance. Over time, this can lead to headaches, gastrointestinal problems, palpitations, fatigue, and weakened immunity—often without an obvious physical cause.
Professional courses such as medicine, dentistry, engineering, and law are increasingly associated with high stress levels. Intense academic competition, long study hours, performance pressure, fear of failure, and uncertain career prospects contribute significantly to emotional exhaustion. Many students struggle silently, believing that stress is “part of the process” and that seeking help reflects weakness.
Social isolation, reduced physical activity, lack of sleep, and constant comparison through social media further worsen mental health. For some, untreated stress progresses to depression - a condition that affects motivation, concentration, self-worth, and, in severe cases, leads to suicidal thoughts. The rise in suicides among young professionals is a stark reminder that academic success does not protect against emotional distress.
The growing attention to mental health is not a trend- it is a necessity. Awareness campaigns, counselling services and open conversations have begun to challenge stigma, encouraging individuals to seek help early. Just as physical symptoms demand medical care, psychological distress deserves timely attention.
For healthcare professionals, recognizing the mind–body connection is essential. Mental health care is not optional; it is integral to overall well-being. When stress is addressed early, both mental and physical health can be protected.
For individuals, healing begins not only with the body, but with the mind. As rightly said “ A healing mind is the gateway to the healthy body” Do you all agree?
MBH/AB