With Mental Health Awareness day just passing, I thought this was a great opportunity to start writing again as it is a very personal issue to myself. Mental Health is more important than many people think. The majority of people don’t understand the severity of mental health issues because they aren’t impacted or educated about the certain issues.
People need to be more aware of the issues regarding mental health. These illnesses can be more serious than you think. From anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, to mood disorders, paranoia, and so much more, these illnesses affect a huge amount of people every single day.. and many of them feel alone because the lack of awareness from others.
According to statistics, 1 in every 5 adults experiences mental illness in a given year. That is a lot of people. More than 90% of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition. Approximately 50% of people who have psychiatric disorders are receiving no help or treatment. Why ? Why don’t they receive treatment?
Fear, shame, limited awareness, distrust, hopelessness, practical barriers… these all are factors into why people stay quiet about their issues and chose to not get help. It is time for society to learn, understand, and help those who need it. It is time to educate more, focus more, and be more aware of the everyday issues people face.
On a personal level, I struggle with my own issues. Each time someone new discovers I struggle with them, I hear the same thing. “But you seem like the happiest person in the world.” That being said…
You know the girl cracking jokes and laughing during your math class? She could very well have depression and be covering it up. You know the captain of the cheerleading team, with the perfect hair, perfect body and perfect boyfriend? She barely eats, and when she does she throws it up to make sure she doesn’t gain a single pound. You know the popular quarterback from the football team, with the nice car and ton of friends? He has bipolar disorder and has been on medication for years.
You can’t judge or assume peoples lives based off of the person they seem to be in front of a crowd. Most people are totally different people behind closed doors and you never know what someone else is going through.
How to help? The foundation of support for someone with a mental illness is educating yourself. Working closely with this person’s treatments and plans to better themselves is important. Communication. Don’t assume an issue, don’t assume you can fix it or that you know what is going on. Just ask. Be supportive. Talk to them about it and show that you care.
For anyone who needs it…
1-800-273-8255- Suicide Hotline
888-640-5174- Depression Hotline
888-236-1188- Eating Disorder Center
To anyone going through something, you are not alone and should never feel alone. I am here for you, and so many other people are here for you. Pain is real, but so is hope. For anyone who knows someone affected by a mental health illness, be there for them, be their friend. For anyone who is not aware of these issues and how prevalent they are in society today, educate yourself and become more aware for the people around you. There are so many things that swarm the media, and mental health awareness should be a priority within the media.
Let’s help others. Let’s be there for others. Help change someone’s life. Help make someone’s life better. Happy Mental Health Awareness Day (a few days later). Remember, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, you were given this life because you’re strong enough to live it.