For as long as I can remember, talking about mental health has been a sort of "taboo" for modern day society. The mere mention of it causes nervous laughter and averted eyes. But I am here to say that it is okay to talk about mental health. As a matter of fact, I am here to say that it is encouraged to talk about mental health! It's time to stop treating mental illness like the elephant in the room. Often times, not talking about it can be more detrimental than being open. It's time to change the stigma!
According to News Weekly, approximately one in five Americans suffers from a mental illness every single year. Yes. One in five. That's a lot. The chances that the person sitting next to you in class, your roommate or even your best friend is suffering from some kind of mental illness is pretty darn high. And the craziest thing? You might not even know that he or she is suffering. On the outside, he or she may seem fine, but on the inside is a completely different story.
So be there for your friends, family, colleagues or even that random person who you always see in class and awkwardly wave/smile to every day but don't actually know all that well. It is often so amazing to know that you have someone rooting for you when it feels as though the whole world is crashing down around you. Try to be that person for those around you; root for them when they feel as though they have no one. Don't underestimate how far small actions can go. Often times it is the small, caring gestures that resonate with a person the most. The smallest deeds tend to go the furthest. Finally, and most importantly, work to change the stigma of mental illness from a negative to a positive one.
If you are suffering from a mental illness, do not be afraid to seek help. Seeing a doctor or a therapist for your mental health is the same as seeing a doctor for your physical health; it is essential to being your best and healthiest self. Everyone has something that they struggle with, and if yours is your mental health it is 100 percent okay to get help. You do not have to deal with a mental illness alone when you have so many people who love you and who support you in all that you do. Trust your closest friends and family, and rely on them for any help that they can provide you. They are rooting for you even though you may not always know it. Know that you are loved. Don't be afraid to take time for yourself if you need it. Sometimes those alone moments are the most important. And finally, know that it is okay to not be okay. Not every day is going to be perfect, but just hold on because better days are coming. Hang in there!
