Tag Mental Health

Beauty Pageants are beyond physical appearance, they are much more than beauty: Apeksha Ashok Shetty

Mangalore, September 06, 2024 — Apeksha Ashok Shetty from the culturally rich city of Mangalore is Femina Miss India Karnataka 2024.

She emerged as state winner competing with above 200 plus contestants and the pageant’s rigorous nationwide selection process, which spanned five months

Thirty contestants, each representing one of the 29 states will compete in the final event. Apeksha Ashok Shetty is currently preparing for this ultimate event scheduled for later in the year.

Apeksha Shetty embodies the elegance and cultural richness of Karnataka and is set to dazzle on the national stage. Apeksha’s connection to her heritage runs deep. “Mangalore will always be special to me. My parents were born here, and every single visit in the past four years has brought me closer to my father, who was my greatest inspiration. Winning Karnataka means so much more because this is where my best friend and role model was born,” says Apeksha.

Growing up, Apeksha faced her share of struggles. She was often bullied and found it hard to connect with others. “I had a tough time fitting in and making friends in school. It was challenging, but my mother was always there for me, reminding me that being different was something to be proud of. Her support taught me the power of resilience and empathy, and these experiences have profoundly shaped who I am today,” Apeksha reflects.

The most profound challenge Apeksha faced was the loss of her father. But through this pain, I found new strength and resolve to honour his memory and pursue my dreams,” Apeksha shares.

Balancing a thriving corporate career with her passions, she works as a freelance model and indulges in her love for dancing, singing, and acting. A Bharatnatyam dancer since the age of 8, Apeksha had the honour of representing India internationally at just 12 years old through a dance group.

Winning the title of Femina Miss India Karnataka 2024 is not just a milestone for her—it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream. “Securing this state title has been a transformative journey for me. It’s not just about the crown; it’s a reconnection with my true self and my dreams. Balancing rigorous training with a demanding career was challenging, but every obstacle turned into an opportunity for growth. This title is a celebration of that resilience,” Apeksha shares.

This year’s pageant holds special significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Femina Miss India. “Being part of this milestone edition of India’s most esteemed pageant makes this title even more precious. It’s not just about wearing a crown; I’m here to share my story and make a difference,” she adds.

Apeksha emphasizes that beauty pageants transcend mere physical appearance. “Beauty pageants are about being true to oneself, taking pride in who you are. It’s about beauty with brains, encompassing personality, intelligence, and communication skills,” she explains.

Mental health is a cause close to Apeksha’s heart, deeply influenced by her own experience with depression following her father’s passing. “My battle with depression after losing my father made me acutely aware of the importance of mental health. It impacts how we act, feels, and think, and addressing it or taking therapy is the only way out,” she asserts.

As Apeksha prepares to step into the national spotlight, her focus remains on using her platform to inspire and make a difference. “I am excited to use this opportunity to share my story and encourage others to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges they face. One of the recent quotes I read that inspired me is, ‘Maybe you have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved,’” she concludes.

27th June 2024, Mumbai, India: In Modern times, mental health has become important and individuals have been encouraged to talk about it and should express their emotions freely. But when it comes to mental health issues in men particularly depression and anxiety remains challenging due to societal expectations of masculinity. Our goal is to promote understanding and find solutions by tackling the obstacles men encounter in accessing mental health support. A recent report shows that 77% of men experience mental health issues, yet 40% avoid discussing about it due to societal pressures. Additionally, 29% feel embarrassed to talk about depression and anxiety.

Understanding depression and anxiety in men

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can affect anyone, but men sometimes find it difficult to talk about these feelings openly because of societal expectations about masculinity. Men often struggle with mental health due to family, financial, and work pressures. It’s crucial to create an open environment where men feel comfortable discussing their emotions and mental well-being.

Societal expectations

Men are often expected to hide their feelings of sadness or fear and appear emotionally strong. They feel pressured to handle their problems alone because of societal expectations. This makes it hard for them to admit they need help, fearing they might seem weak or less masculine when talking about their mental health. These pressures limit how men express their emotions, making it difficult for them to discuss their mental health and seek support.

Breaking the stigma

The goal is to make seeking help easy and judgment-free. This means teaching about mental health, ensuring understanding, and encouraging open talks. We want a culture where everyone feels accepted and supported in getting the help they need for their mental well-being.

Strategies for coping

For managing depression and anxiety professional help is necessary, some of the strategies men can include in their daily routine to improve their mental well-being.

Physical Health: Men should exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, and get enough sleep. Exercise boosts mood by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain.

Emotional Well-being: It’s important for men to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Relaxing activities like hobbies, meditation, or spending time outdoors can help reduce stress.

Social Connections: Maintaining good relationships with friends, family, and community helps men feel supported and less lonely. Regular socializing can improve mental well-being.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help men manage stress and think more clearly.

Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no when necessary and prioritizing personal needs without feeling guilty is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding exhaustion.

Seeking Support: Men should not hesitate to seek professional help or talk to trusted people when facing challenges or struggling with their mental health.

Conclusion

In summary, supporting men with depression and anxiety requires breaking down societal barriers and stigma around mental health. It’s important to promote awareness and provide adequate support. Creating safe environments where men feel comfortable discussing their emotions and seeking help is crucial. Encouraging openness about mental health ensures that everyone receives the necessary support for emotional well-being. Simple methods such as relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing anxiety. By educating, advocating, and offering support, we aim to build a society that values and prioritizes mental health for everyone.