When it comes to a physical illness such as a broken arm or someone having a seizure in public, most people know what to do (and that is to see a doctor or to call 911). Why is it that mental health has to be so much different?
A lot of times, mental illnesses aren't something you can see on the outside and just diagnose a person with. It's extremely hard for someone suffering from a mental illness to just come right out and state that they're struggling. If it's hard for a person to admit to themselves that they're having a hard time, imagine how hard it must be to admit to someone else. People with mental illnesses will not reach out until it's absolutely crucial to their health, and sometimes even that can be too late.
Society these days is so "unaware" and unconcerned about mental health, and pretends that it is not a problem drastically affecting our world. There are roughly 121 suicides a day, and for each suicide, 25 people attempt. These statistics are rarely brought to people's attention. The government and many others seem to think mental illness doesn't exist (suicide costs the US an average of $51 billion annually).
I will always be an advocate for mental health because I know what it's like to not be able to get out of bed in the morning. I know what it's like to see loved ones being committed to the psychiatric unit. I know what it's like to lose a loved one to suicide.
I hope that while you're reading this article, you decide to also be an advocate for mental health; your own and those surrounding you. Learn to listen and how to make someone's day a little brighter. Learn how to brighten your own day.
Whether it's depression, anxiety, anorexia, OCD, PTSD or bipolar disorder- please know that your illness does NOT define you. It can not overtake you unless you choose to let it. Get help, know that you have people that care about you, and most importantly, do not ignore the signs. Educate yourself and pass it on to others because mental health DOES matter.
Remember- you are all beautiful humans who are worthy of life!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or use the text line by texting TALK to 741741
Statistics provided by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (asp.org)
