A CRITICAL VIEW ON MENTAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CURRENT SCENARIO

Abstract

Ayurveda states that human mind possess three qualities – satwa, rajas and tamas. Among these three, rajas and tamas are considered as mano doshas because their disequilibrium alone impairs the mental health of an individual. The quality of life of the mentally ill has been a matter of concern for centuries. But in the current scenario, the mental health and equilibrium of the so called ‘normal society’ itself is a matter of concern. The increased number of counselling centres, the prevalence of attempt of suicides in college students, high divorce rates among married couples all point out that there is some impairment in the qual-ity of life (QOL) in the society. This negotiating quality of life is the outcome of disturbance of mano doshas in individuals. Moreover the exponential rate of incidence of autism disor-ders, aggressive natures and hyperactivity disorders in the budding new generation is alarm-ing us to take notice and plan actions before our society itself succumb to severe mental dis-asters. Role of Ayurveda in this regard is highly recommendable as it has proven to have tools that can directly influence the functioning of mind.