In 1990, Congress recognized and established Mental Illness Awareness Week (held annually during the first week of October), which is now more widely known as Mental Health Awareness Week. The week of awareness was established in recognition of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), which is an organization that aims to educate, destigmatize, and advocate for better mental health care. World Mental Health Day, which is a part of Mental Health Awareness Week, is held on October 10th, and in light of that, people around the world are spreading messages of support and are encouraging others to reach out for help.
It can be hard to reach out for help. A lot of the time, it can feel like a step backwards, or even a waste of time. On Monday, rapper Kid Cudi, Scott Mescudi, checked himself into rehab and, later, bravely posted on Facebook about his decision to go:
"It's been difficult for me to find the words to what I'm about to share with you because I feel ashamed. Ashamed to be a leader and hero to so many while admitting I've been living a lie....Yesterday I checked myself into rehab for depression and suicidal urges. I am not at peace.”
Mescudi took the step that many people are afraid to take, and in his post, he expressed how difficult the decision was for him, especially as a rapper with a fairly large following of fans. However, this is why his decision is so important. It is vital for people to understand that even the biggest billboard names can struggle and that reaching out for help isn't a step back, but a leap forward. Mescudi admits that he's nervous, but that he's making the right decision for himself: "I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling. Why not me? I guess I give so much of myself to others I forgot that I need to show myself some love, too." And while Mescudi made some really good points about the importance of self-care and taking steps toward recovery, he also expressed worries about letting fans down, "I feel like shit, I feel so ashamed. I'm sorry." Taking the leap toward recovery is a big step and I wish there was a way to let him know that he does not need to apologize for putting himself first. While there is a lot of negative stigma around mental illness and rehab, Kid Cudi should not feel ashamed for "letting people down." I hope that he will one day realize how much of a positive impact his decision to get help will have on so many people. He, like Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Adele, and so many other celebrities, has helped continue a conversation that still needs to be had: the conversation about mental health and prioritizing self-care above everything else.
If you're interested in participating in Mental Health Awareness Week, here are some activities you can get involved in:
1. Spread the word.
October 6th is National Depression Screening Day and it's important to identify and intervene "during the early stages of mental illness...We wouldn’t wait until Stage 4 to treat other medical conditions, so why do we wait when it comes to our mental health?" There are plenty of resources available to help spread the word, so check out Mental Health America's page on how to become a bigger part of this movement.
You can also get a free screening for mental health here.
2. Learn about mental health issues.
And sign a pledge against stigma.
3. Share your story.
