Mental Health Awareness — World Mental Health Day
Physical fitness is something that everyone wants to achieve, but somewhere we tend to ignore the fact that our overall wellbeing is a sum total of our mental and physical fitness. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.
Celebrities like Kate Middleton and Deepika Padukone have spoken openly about their mental health struggles — helping to break the stigma and encourage millions to seek help. Mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental component of overall health.
The Genetics of Mental Health
Mental health conditions have a significant genetic component. Variants in genes involved in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine signalling influence susceptibility to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Understanding your genetic mental health profile can help you and your doctor choose the most effective treatment approach — including which medications are most likely to work for you (pharmacogenomics).
About the Author
Angona Saha is a genetic counsellor at MapmyGenome. She has rich experience in personalised medicine, rare genetic diseases, and newborn and pre-natal screening. Angona has a Master’s degree in Applied Genetics from Bangalore University and certifications from The University of Maryland, The Ohio State University, and The University of Glasgow.
Know Your Genetic Mental Health and Drug Response Profile
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome covers genetic predisposition to depression, anxiety, stress response, and 100+ other health conditions. Medicamap covers pharmacogenomics for psychiatric medications — helping your doctor choose the right antidepressant or anxiolytic for your unique biology.
