As we are currently in the midst of Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to remember that when May ends, people still suffer and their invisible illnesses continue to plague them. Here are some points to remember during the rest of the year.
1. Check yourself
Even if you think you are completely accommodating when it comes to mental health, there are many things that can fly under the radar. I've been dealing with my own illnesses for as long as I can remember, but I've still had to check myself and grow in many situations.
It's easy to get frustrated when a friend or peer completely shuts down or begins acting strange with no explanation, but it's vital to take into account what could be going on underneath the surface. Whether they're dealing with an illness or just a bad day, it's always best to consider all possibilities before brushing them off as rude or weird.
2. See all sides
There are other mental illnesses besides depression and anxiety. These are prominent cases in our society-- anxiety disorders being the most common mental illness in the United States, with depression tailing close behind. Thankfully, awareness is being spread more and more for them every day, but this doesn't mean they're the only ones to exist. Media often shines a light on these disorders, romanticizing them and even making them seem admirable (which is a whole other problem in itself).
Outside of this light sit more "frowned upon" illnesses, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder being more well known ones. Many people will claim they are accepting in regards to mental health, yet hatefully through around words like "crazy" or "psycho" when it comes to anything outside of this romanticized bubble.
3. Educate yourself
Sadly, a stigma still engulfs all aspects of mental health (romanticized or not). The best way to combat this and better understand the full realm of mental illness is to educate yourself in it. Though it might sound boring, it's actually extremely intriguing to get a better glimpse of the way our minds work. No, I'm not telling you click around a few random forums and then start diagnosing your friends, its just amazing what information you'll gain from a few quick reads. A little more knowledge can lead to worlds more of empathy and understanding.
4. Continue the conversation
Keep an eye out for ignorance and be willing to spread information. Nobody is asking for you to be superhero, but it's good for mentally ill people to know we have others rooting for us.
In addition, don't stigmatize yourself. If you've had your own experiences and struggles with mental health, there is nothing wrong with admitting that. You don't have to spill your entire medical history upon first meeting someone, but if you're having an off day don't be ashamed to tell someone why. There's nothing embarrassing about having the flu, so why feel reluctant to acknowledge mental illness? Dropping the shame connected to mental health is vital, and starting with yourself is a huge step.
Lastly, be there for others the way you hope they would be there for you. You can't expect people to be certain they can reach out to you if they need to, so it's always good to make the first step. If you notice something may be going on with someone you care about, make sure they know they can always come to you, even if all you can do is listen.