Arjuna’s problem at the battle field was the universal problem of man. Many of us are confused about what to do. This arises out of not knowing who we are, or forgetting who we are. This causes endless tension and sorrow for us and others. For example, the boss starts bossing his wife at home; politicians make politics a money-making business, a student is confused whether to become a doctor and make money or become an engineer and please his parents. Some remain in a perpetual state of confusion about what to do even about the most mundane matters such as ‘Should I cross the road?’, ‘Should I cross it now?’ and so on.

A week ago, one of the leading dailies carried an article which states that come new year we often use it to examine how physically fit we are and start doing things to fight back against the lack of fitness. It further added, that this year the readers would be encouraged to do the same for mental well-being. Virat kohli has said and I quote ‘ I have gone through a phase in my career where felt like it was the end of the world. I think these things should be respected and not taken in a negative way because it can happen to anybody”. So seek help of the professionals when such a situations arises, a good mentor, coach can do the trick for you.

By 2030, it is predicted that mental health problems will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. The majority of people spend one-third of their adult life at work. With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental ill health each year, that’s a significant amount of time in which a large number of people are likely to experience a spectrum of mental health issues. The impact of poor mental health on the workforce is significant and tangible.

A recent UK survey found that despite almost a third (32%) of adults saying they have suffered from mental health problems at work, 49% do not feel there is an appropriate culture in their workplace to enable people to open up about their mental wellbeing. More than half – 54% – said they were not aware what mental health support was available at their workplace. Another UK survey indicated that employers’ main concerns were that an employee with a mental health condition would be a threat to safety, incapable of handling stress, demonstrate unpredictable behaviour or underperform. These types of assumptions and negative attitudes must be overcome to foster a truly diverse and inclusive global workforce.

The WHO has estimated that for every $1 invested into the treatment and support of mental health disorders sees a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. India is currently home to a population of over one billion citizens. A study conducted by the Word Health Organization in 2015 shows that one in five Indians may suffer from depression in their lifetime, equivalent to 200 million people.

At a deeper level, the universal problem of man is – to be ignorant of his true identity. ‘Who am I? Am I this perishing body? Am I the transmigrating soul? Am I something else?’ From this ignorance arises confusion about the goal of life. ‘What should I do in life? Despite having everything, why am I not fulfilled? Why am I always restless or unhappy?’ We have tried many ways of overcoming our fears, tensions, and sorrows, like joining a laughing club, going on a vacation, or changing jobs, but these have given but temporary relief. The root cause remains unaddressed.

The Bhagavad Gita addresses this delusion about our actual identity, which is the universal problem and the root cause of all our fears, tensions, and sorrows. Shri Krishna teaches Arjuna Self-knowledge – the knowledge of his true nature. When a person knows his absolute identity, he then knows how to play his relative roles well. When Self-knowledge dawns on Arjuna, he declares that his confusion and grief have disappeared, and he is ready for action.

The main reason for Arjuna’s grief was the thought of his having to kill his revered teachers and the sin that he would incur in doing so. There are a multitude of cause that makes an individual grieve and remain unhappy. The seers and wise have always conveyed the message: ‘Do not grieve – as there is no valid reason to grieve.’

Take a few steps to raise your self awareness while you make your well being plans this year. Whether you are the go getter professional, a can do better agent in life or a blend of the best in the world – do list your personal mind training discipline also this year, consult someone who can watch you, give feedback and provide the building blocks for the “best version of you” this new year.