MANAS APP: Panic no more and seek help for mental well-being
The pandemic came in with many challenges and India is dealing with all of them simultaneously. However, during such unfortunate times, it is natural to experience a panic like situation.
Work from Home, Online classes, virtual meetings, night and weekend curfews are back.
Normal life has turned a full circle and the world has again come to a standstill with the racing COVID-19 numbers.
It is now, more than ever important to constantly be reminded that, unlike last year, this year, we already know what we are dealing with. People and the government are getting prepared to tackle all the aspects of pandemic and lockdown. Including the need of the hour- Taking care of the mental health.
Launch of MANAS app
To promote mental wellbeing across age groups in India, the government has launched MANAS, which stands for Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System. The pilot version of a mobile app was recently launched by K Vijay Raghavan, the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the government. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C-DAC) Bengaluru have together developed this platform.
The initial version of the MANAS app will focus on promoting mental health among the 15-35 years age group.
It is a comprehensive, scalable, and national digital wellbeing platform and an app developed to augment the mental well-being of Indian citizens.
MANAS App is designed as a national well-being platform that integrates the various health and wellness initiatives of different ministries.
It will bring to the user scientifically validated, indigenously developed tools with gamified interfaces developed by various national bodies and research institutions.
MANAS was endorsed as a national program by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
MANAS to help young adults in dealing with mental health
Young individuals often complained about gloomy and negative days during the lockdown. Scrolling through social media and falling prey to the fake social lives of people, the young individual suffered great mental turmoil while maintaining a physical disconnect.
Since initially MANAS is designed to focus on the well-being of 15-35 years age group, it will help a young adult in finding a solution and maintaining a positive attitude during the gloomy days.
Mental health- The need of the hour
Last year during the peak of the pandemic, normal life had come to a standstill wherein many taped onto their deepest mental traumas. Anxiety, depression, panic attack, suicidal thoughts had become synonymous with the new normal. It was during that time, people understood the meaning and importance of mental health. The taboo around it was busted and slowly people are now getting sensitive and cautious about their and others mental health.
MANAS is based on life skills and core psychological process, with universal accessibility, delivering age-appropriate methods and promoting a positive attitude focusing on wellness.
The app is designed with the aim to built a healthier and happier community. It will empower and nurture the innate potential for building a Swasth and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The moto for the app is Uttam Mann, Saksham Jan.
Since the app will be integrated with public health schemes like the National Health Mission, Poshan Abhiyan and e-Sanjeevani in multiple languages, the user would get maximum benefit and won’t face trouble in searching out for help.
Vocal for Mental Health
The government of India has been quite vocal when it comes to mental health. Since the beginning of the Pandemic, the government of all states have continuously urged the citizen to take good care of their mental state. Many advisories were launched that focused on how to deal with mental health amidst Covid-19?
Ministry of health and welfare, through social media, virtual meetings preached the idea of seeking help for free in case of mental trauma. It is important to eat healthily, avoid junk and indulge in physical activities like yoga. India have always preached the benefits of Yoga and especially during such scary times, indulging in yoga and meditation will help in calming the nerves and taming anxious thoughts. Other Government programmes to promote Mental Health-The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017 came into force in 2018 to meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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