Let’s declare a war against emotional distress

I was shocked to learn about the suicide of Saleel Kapoor, chairman of Atlas Cycles, yesterday when I picked up the newspaper this morning. I remember my first bike from elementary school being an Atlas Cycles, a brand that many of us hold in high esteem.

Sad to see another wealthy businessman take his own life; being at the top must be really isolating. A number of prominent Indians have tragically taken their own lives in recent years, drawing attention to the neglected problem of mental illness. The recent tragic death of Saleel Kapoor, Chairman of Atlas Cycles—a name that has come to represent one of the oldest and most esteemed bicycle brands in India—is the most recent example. The tragic loss of Kapoor’s life serves as a stark reminder that material prosperity and social standing do not protect a person from the catastrophic impact of mental illness.

A Secret Struggle Underlying Achievement :

The tragic death of Saleel Kapoor is not an exception. A disturbing trend of once-proud Indians giving in to life’s demands has been observed recently. For example, in 2019, the body of V.G. Siddhartha, the inspirational founder of Café Coffee Day, was discovered close to the Netravati River. He had allegedly suffered from severe financial stress and pressures. Similarly, prominent real estate developer Ajay Choradia of Panchshil Realty allegedly committed suicide in 2018 as a result of stress related to his work. A former commissioner of the Mumbai Police, Himanshu Roy, took his own life in 2018 after a difficult battle with depression and cancer. Because of Roy’s stellar reputation as an officer who gave his all to his job, the country was shocked to hear of his untimely demise. Bhayyuji Maharaj, a spiritual leader adored by millions, tragically took his own life in 2018, as he left a note describing the immense stress and suffering he had been through.

Emotional Distress: A Quiet Pandemic :

It is concerning that these cases show that even people who appear to have it all together, like successful people, can be suffering from severe emotional distress that goes unrecognized until it’s too late. Distress in the emotional realm knows no bounds when it comes to class or wealth. It is a silent pandemic that knows no bounds and can strike anybody at any time, regardless of their outward success or social standing. The problem is made worse by the stigmatization of mental health in India. For fear of looking fragile or unstable, many people, particularly those in prominent positions, are reluctant to ask for assistance. Unresolved issues can accumulate and cause tragic outcomes if people are unwilling to address their emotional struggles.

We at Quantum Foundation have been running a project called “Mission One Million” which talks of one million emotionally literate people by 2035.” This we emphasize for the emotional well being in the society. Quantum Foundation India and supported by Quantum Infotrainers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and Quantum Trainings Pte Ltd.

Fighting Emotional Anxiety:

A war on mental illness must now be declared. Our collective responsibility is to make mental health a top priority and foster an atmosphere where people feel empowered to seek help, rather than stigmatized. Individuals displaying symptoms of emotional distress require increased vigilance and support from their families, co workers, and employers. There needs to be a reduction in the stigma associated with mental health services and an increase in their accessibility. It is the responsibility of businesses and organizations to ensure their employees’ mental health. Employees should be able to access mental health resources, work in an environment that promotes transparency, and feel safe enough to talk about their problems without fear of retaliation

Additionally, early intervention is crucial, and there has to be more education and awareness regarding the symptoms of emotional distress. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health if we want to live a full, happy life.

A rallying cry:

Numerous high-profile suicides, including those of Saleel Kapoor, V.G. Siddhartha, Ajay Choradia,  Himanshu Roy, and Bhayyuji Maharaj, highlight the critical need to address mental health issues promptly. Despite being at the forefront of their industries, these people succumbed to the immense pressures and difficulties they encountered. May their sacrifice not go unnoticed. We must let these tragedies drive a shift in perspective and policy regarding mental health in India. We can stop these tragedies from happening again and build a society that cares about mental health if we recognize the existence of emotional distress and do something about it. For our own, our loved ones’, and our colleagues’ sakes, it is time to declare war on emotional distress.