There is No Health without Mental Health

Medical experts at Kamineni Hospitals are warning that amidst modern lifestyles, social media influence, and the expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mental health is becoming a major public health issue worldwide, and youth must remain alert. On the occasion of 'Mental Health Awareness Month-2026', an awareness program titled ‘More Good Days, Together’ was organized at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar on Saturday. Psychiatrists at Kamineni Hospitals suggested that emotional health improves only when 'awareness replaces myths and mutual connection replaces silence'.  

Speaking on this occasion, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist of Kamineni Hospital, Dr. M. Saradhi Goud said... ‘Physical and mental health have an inseparable relationship. No matter how physically healthy one is, complete health is not possible without mental health. Although this kind of awareness is increasing among the youth, myths and fears about mental illnesses are still preventing many from taking medical help and treatment in the early stages. Even today, many people are suffering from mental problems but are hesitant to consult psychiatrists. They have a fear that society will misunderstand them. It has become common to think of mental problems as weakness, lack of self-confidence, or "overthinking". But mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and stress-related problems are medical issues caused by biological, psychological, and social factors. Many people take problems like chronic stress, anxiety, loneliness, and emotional fatigue naturally and neglect them. Similar to diabetes and heart disease, there is a need to view seeking medical help for mental health problems as normal. Mental problems can be effectively controlled through timely identification, counseling, lifestyle changes, and medication if necessary,’ he stated.  

Subsequently, consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Gautami Nagabhairava said... in this era of dominance of AI, smartphones, and social media, while technology is useful for education, medicine, and communication on one hand, it is causing mental stress on the other. She stated that social media comparisons, the craving for online identity, cyberbullying, gaming addiction, insomnia, and the pressure to always look happy are having a severe impact on the youth. She informed that impossible lifestyles and beauty standards are damaging self-confidence and emotional stability in youth. She expressed concern that children and teenagers are being affected even more. She revealed that problems such as reduced outdoor play, excessive screen time, lack of sleep, decreased concentration, lack of emotional control, and increased impatience for small things are rising.

Dr. Gautami explained that we cannot entirely blame technology, but problems start when it controls human relationships, family bonds, sleep, exercise, and emotional strength. She said that there is treatment for mental illnesses, and the quality of life can be significantly improved through early identification, emotional support, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and the use of medicine when necessary; that is why they are creating awareness to focus not just on awareness during this Mental Health Awareness Month, but also on removing myths and using technology in a balanced and responsible way. She clarified that even though it is the era of Artificial Intelligence, mental health is very crucial, and there can be no complete health without mental health. Several doctors and hospital staff participated in this program.