The CK Birla Hospital and Birla Fertility & IVF organized a special session on mental health and well-being with BK Sister Shivani at their Punjabi Bagh facility. The session had a two-fold focus on the connection between mental wellness and overall health by utilizing the potential of the mind for health, healing and happiness.

The event was attended by 250+ people who took back learnings on achieving holistic health.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population. The economic loss due to mental health conditions is also huge. It is among the leading causes of the increasing health burden both in India and globally. In addition, factors such as lack of awareness, self-diagnosis and stigma pose further challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this, making mental health and well-being a priority worldwide. The WHO has highlighted that 25% of the younger population suffered from depression and anxiety in the first year of the pandemic.

Mental wellbeing plays an important role in overall wellbeing. Good mental health can help in prevention and aggravation of serious health conditions such as those of the heart, respiratory system or sleep disorders. The mortality rate from cancer and heart disease can be higher amongst people with mental health conditions. Mental health also has a strong correlation with fertility. Fertility issues have a significant psychological as well as emotional effect on couples and individuals and families who are trying to conceive. These psychological issues can further impede the ability to conceive.

Speaking on the occasion, BK Sister Shivani, a teacher in the Brahma Kumari, Spiritual Movement in India said, “Make mental health a priority, take charge of your emotions and create positive thoughts with a minimum of thirty minutes of self-care daily through prayer and meditation. Proper sleep plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy mind and body. Positive thinking is not only about thinking positively before a situation but accepting that whatever has happened is for the best.’’

Dr Col (Prof) Pankaj Talwar, Head, Medical Services, Birla Fertility & IVF said, ‘’Around the world, many people go through the fertility treatment process, when they are not able to conceive naturally. But for some people, it can take a toll on their mental health and wellbeing, causing anxiety and depression. It is advisable to reduce one’s stress as much as possible. Managing mental health requires meditation and focus along with prioritizing one’s self. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we aim to transform the future of fertility globally, through outstanding clinical outcomes, research, innovation and compassionate care”.

Dr Nivedita Kaul, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital further added, “Mental health not only controls your consciousness but also determines how well the body functions and recovers from illnesses. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep a day, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, interacting with others and following your hobby, etc. are simple ways in which mental wellness can be achieved. Mental stress and grief cannot be avoided, but they can be managed to avoid further health implications. The mental health of parents and children is also connected in many ways with good mental health having a positive impact on the entire parenting journey from conception to delivery and the post birth experience. At CK Birla Hospital, we aim to transform the provision and culture of healthcare in India. It is a chain of world-class institutions focused on the healthcare needs of the family delivered with warmth, responsiveness and sensitivity”.