With mental health awareness week going on, it is time to focus on this little-known and even less-recognised gamut of ailments. Mental ailments are illnesses of the mind, which are deceptive and certainly not easy to diagnose, because they do not have physical manifestations. Different organisations and professionals working in the field must try all they can to get the message to the public.

Mental health neglect is a huge factor in India. Even today, people with problems would rather take advice from self-styled spiritual gurus, than seek professional help. Many people need clinical treatment and medication, which only a professional or a doctor in the field of medical health can point out. Hospitalisation may be necessary in certain cases, and a full course of medication and monitoring is also needed for several people. This proves that mental health is a serious illness and does not deserve the offhand flippancy with which it is often treated.