Statistically speaking, 18.5% of the adult population have a mental illness. On a regular basis, we run into individuals with mental illness more than we know. Most individuals who have an illness don’t know they’ve got anything affecting themselves, or live in denial refusing help. Whether you’re the individual with the mental illness or an individual affected directly by a mental illness in an individual, living with these affects can be extremely difficult and confusing at times. It is the job of mental health professionals and advocates, like myself, to help you understand as best as possible.
This is to all of us affected:
I’ll be the first one in line to deny that I have any sort of problem; even if my Mom sits me down and shows me exactly what the problem is and why it’s an issue. When I was told that the way I was feeling and acting wasn’t normal, I denied any accusations for months, until I finally went to the doctor and found out that I had GAD (anxiety) and depression; I about fell out of my chair.
I’m not here to lie to you and tell you that mental illness is easy. There’s very few individuals who understand, or even care to understand. When you’re having a bad day, you may burst into tears, feel numb, or unleash anger upon someone dear to you. If you’re the sufferer, you must understand that this isn’t your fault. The hardest part of the illness is convincing yourself that it is a chemical imbalance or caused by an unfortunate event. You didn’t mean to, nor have control over how you reacted to your loved one. However, the ball is also in their court. They must understand that this isn’t your fault, you never meant to speak to them, or not speak to them, the way you did. No matter what side of this you’re on, you must be open and understanding.
The easiest way to help yourself and others understand is research. If there’s a health care professional or an individual who is well educated in psychology in arm’s length, take time and put forth effort to talk about the illness. Understand the side effects, the possible treatments, and what you can do for the individual or yourself. If you don’t want to reach out to someone, the internet will be your best friend. It’s hard to be understanding to yourself or others if you’re not aware of what’s going on with them.
No matter what the mental illness, the biggest thing anyone in this situation needs is a good support system. It is important for you to be accepting of yourself and others. Whether its help from someone or whether it’s the hard side effects of the illness. Never, ever, leave someone alone because of their mental illness. If it is something you’re uncomfortable handling, don’t give up the first or the second or the tenth time. Give it your best shot. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s too much. If it gets to be too much, be the hero and help that individual find social support from others or help from a facility. The key is to have constant individuals there for you to vent to. Without that, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
There is nothing simple, easy, or pleasant about being an individual with or affected by mental illness. However, learning how to help and the use of coping mechanisms will benefit both of you immensely. I’ve lost many individuals due to them being scared of my illness and having to deal with something more complex. Communicate how you’re feeling and what would make all situations better to make sure that everyone is doing everything they can. Mental illness is a struggle, but it is a common issue that doesn’t make the individuals suffering less than anyone else.
Keep in mind, we are a population of humans too, that just need some support and guidance through our journey of new medications or helping someone work through a bout of depression.
