October is Depression Awareness month, but you probably didn’t know that because colleges and the media have done next to nothing to promote it.
Why? Why is it that we don’t talk about mental illness as much as we should? Why is it that whenever mental illness is mentioned, everyone gets wide-eyed and silent? Why is it that we’re quick to place the blame on mental illness whenever a mass shooting occurs, but then never suggest a solution for it? Why have we not started the conversation about it? I’ll tell you why. It’s because we’re ashamed to talk about it.
Would you be ashamed if you knew you weren’t alone? Would you be ashamed if you knew that 1 in 10 people have depression; about 350 million people globally? Would you be ashamed if you knew that depression can affect anyone at any age at any time? Would you be ashamed if you knew that there are many different causes of depression, like situational circumstances and chemical imbalances? Would you be ashamed if you knew that having depression is not your fault?
What’s shameful is that 80% of people suffering from depression are not receiving treatment. What’s shameful is that mental health services costs anywhere from $100 to $5,000. What’s shameful is that states cut $1.8 billion from federal funding for mental health in 2010. What’s shameful is that suicide is one of the top ten causes of death in America. What’s shameful is that we’re still not talking about it.
I’m not ashamed to say that I was diagnosed with depression. I’m not ashamed to say that I received professional help for it. I’m not ashamed to say that I was on anti-depressants. I’m not ashamed, and you shouldn’t be either. I got help and I got better. You can to. You just have to ask for it.
Everyone knows someone who has taken their life, or knows someone who knows someone that has taken their life. It’s five degrees of separation from suicide. I’m fortunate enough to never have lost anyone I know and love yet, but I do have friends who suffer from mental illness. I do have friends who have lost people that they know and love. I don’t want that to be the case anymore.
So let’s stop being so ashamed and do something about this. With nearly 1 in 5 people suffering from some type of mental illness, it’s time to take action. It’s time to end the taboo of mental illness. Let’s end the stigma of mental illness. Let’s stop blaming mental illness for why people conduct mass shootings. Let’s stop pushing mental illness under the rug.
Instead, let’s start making mental health services affordable. Let’s start increasing funding for mental health research. Let’s start improving the conditions of mental health hospitals. Let’s start being there for each other rather than turning a blind eye to it. Let’s start the conversation of mental illness.
I want everyone to know that there is help out there. You are not alone. Please do not stay silent about it. Please check out these great resources if you or someone you know is suffering from any mental illness:
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
