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Mental health is an integral part of our lives, yet we often overlook its significance or underestimate the power that it holds over our lives. India is a country with a long and rich history, and although it continues to progress and evolve with time, it is also important to remember that its people are at a very different stage of modernisation and awareness. Mental health, which is a growing concern in many countries, is an intricate subject here in India, and one that requires its own unique approaches.
When we think of mental health, it is often in the context of a medical condition or illness. But mental health goes beyond this, and encompasses all aspects of wellbeing and overall brain and emotional wellness. In India, this is often overlooked, and many of us view mental health as something that is second-tier or even an afterthought. But this couldn’t be further from the truth; in fact, uncovering the many benefits of mental health can benefit us in both our personal and professional lives, and can even help us make a successful career transition.
Mental health can have a direct impact on our physical health, emotional well-being and overall outlook on life. It can also be a major factor in our ability to cope with stress and adapt to life’s changing circumstances. When we think of mental health, we have a tendency to focus on the negative aspects, such as the possibility of suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses. But it’s important to remember that mental health includes more than just the absence of a mental disorder. It’s equally important to understand the positive psychological effects that can come from practicing positive mental health.
Some of the benefits of mental health include improved memory and cognitive functioning, enhanced problem-solving skills, better self-control, improved relationships, lower stress levels and improved emotional regulation. Furthermore, it can also help with career transitions, as you are better equipped to deal with job-related issues, potential conflicts and the stress of adaptation. In India, there is a distinct unavailability of mental health professionals to help people transition into new careers and be equipped with resources to help them through their journeys. In this respect, having strong mental health and understanding the benefits of it can be key in helping you navigate through such a life-changing transition.
Stories of successful career transitions can often be an inspiration to many of us, as they provide us with a blueprint of how to successfully succeed in a new field. For example, Take Rohan, who was an accountant and CPA in India but was looking to transition into the rapidly growing field of digital marketing. Initially feeling reluctance, he embraced the power of mental health and decided to focus on understanding the field. Doing so, he was eventually able to secure a role in a leading digital marketing agency and progress his career further, thanks to being truly engaged in the mental process.
Ela, on the other hand, a Financial analyst from India, also decided to transition from her long-term career. Ela had worked in traditional finance for a number of years, but was looking for something that was closer to her skillset, so she decided to look into the finance technology industry. Armed with a strong understanding of the sector, she decided to attend networking events, networking events and solidify her connections to the industry. With her strong mental health resources and a strong professional network, Ela was eventually able to obtain multiple job offers and new opportunities and advance her career even further.
The journey towards career transitions can be arduous and filled with obstacles. In India, most of us are often fearful of change and thus, we may be reluctant to take on new challenges and take risks. Furthermore, a successful career transition not only requires the right attitude, but also resources and knowledge, both of which can be hard to come by. That is why it’s important to have strong mental health resources and strategies to help you navigate through these concerns and get to where you want to be.
One of the best ways to equip ourselves for a successful transition is by building our mental resilience and autonomously striving to understand the new industry we’re trying to get into. This can be done by reading relevant content, attending events and seminars, joining professional communities and keeping up to date with industry news. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to potential mentors, build relationships and gain valuable career insights from others in the industry. Utilising such mental tools can be helpful in enabling us to stay focused and hope that we can move closer towards our goals.
When making a career transition into the mental health fields in India, it is important to note the salaries you can expect to earn. Generally speaking, salaries in the field of mental health are quite attractive, with professionals in the US typically earning between US$40,000 to US$80,000 a year. Professionals in the field of mental health in India typically earn between INR 6 Lakh to 12 Lakh a year, depending on their experience and qualification.
When making a career transition into the mental health field in India, it is important to note the multiple resources available to you and the actionable steps you can take for a successful transition. Some of these steps include:
Mental health is an integral part of our lives and can often be overlooked when thinking about career transitions. However, having a strong understanding of the field and its benefits can be key in helping you to successfully transition into a career in the field of mental health in India. With the right attitude, resources and knowledge, you can ensure that you are better equipped to handle the challenges that you may encounter during your transition, and can ultimately get to where you want to be.