Monday October 10th was World Mental Day. The dictionary definition of mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
I have wanted to do a piece on mental health for a while-- so many people suffer from anxiety, depression, or other things. Many don't understand the inner battle one of these illnesses can cause. I would know. Last December I got my official diagnosis of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Some of the symptoms someone with GAD may experience are constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration.
My personal experience with General Anxiety:
The months leading up to my diagnosis I often found myself worrying a lot about assignments, classes, and college related things. At night I would lie wide awake sometimes for hours just thinking about everything. This was all happening in my first semester of college, so was homesick as well. I am very social, but there were days I just wanted those I was closest to. My parents started to get worried when I called home more and more frequently basically freaking out over everything. I cried a lot before that December because of all the emotions I was feeling. I wasn't handling stress well. I got home for break, and got in to see my doctor. She got me on medication, but I was told it could take up to a month to get stabilized.
Going into my second semester I was way more mellow about classes. I got into a situation though that caused my stress to sky rocket and caused a high flair in my anxiety to the point where I could barley sleep or eat. I ended up seeing a counselor through our school health center. After I learned how to handle my stress my life became more livable. I am in my second year of college, and I know God is doing great things for me. When I start to worry I try and take 30 seconds and just pray about it. God knows best for me.
What people need to start understanding:
When it comes to mental health it is not always visible. I'm pretty good at hiding my anxiety on bad days. With that being said you never know who is fighting an unseen battle, so just be kind. If you know someone with a mental health issue, learn their triggers. My trigger is high stress, and I have a few friends that can pick up when I'm about to have a "meltdown" they usually just talk to me and redirect my focus. Learn how people cope and understand that some days are better than others. People need to understand the inner fight a person with mental health problems can go through.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
