Back in high school I had a teacher and one day he spoke about depression. It was an average school day and pretty uneventful. However, when he said what he did, I remember the chills running up and down my spine, shocking me. I’m not sure why, but I remember my cheeks burning with the rosy red that his words had painted upon them.
He said, “Say you’re pet dies and for a while you are very upset. You may feel sad or even feel a bit depressed. However, after some time these feelings pass and you learn that your happiness never went missing. But, if the feelings do not pass and you find yourself in a constant state of gloom, then that would be depression.”
Hearing him speak about depression in this way was all around interesting. The words he spoke spun a web of simplicity. He said this with ease because he understood. He didn’t respond to the negative stigma, instead he opened the eyes that stared at him from all angles of the classroom. He said such a small sentence, but this sentence depicted that depression is not just being sad. I respected him for not only speaking this way, but for spreading knowledge around the classroom.
In society there is still a negative stigma surrounding mental illnesses. It happens time and time again where mental illnesses, such as depression are shown as something that is “easily fixable”, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. Depression is not just being sad and anxiety is not just being nervous every once in a while. Mental illnesses are so much more complex.
The way that mental illnesses are portrayed in society disgust me. No, I am not saying that everyone should get in a circle and hold hands. What I am trying to suggest is, people who have them and people who do not should always have an understanding of mental illnesses and mental health in general. People should be taught what mental illnesses are, how to cope with them, and how to understand them. Once this is done, I feel that the negative stigma can be lifted. Society would be more open about these issues instead of opposed to learning about them. To be educated on metal illnesses can not only help someone if they need it, but also help others.
The misrepresentation the media shows with mental illnesses is an issue as it helps retain the negative stigma. I have seen people who are struggling labeled as attention seekers and cowards. In reality, those names are far from the truth and extremely hurtful. A mental illness is a valid illness and should not be overlooked. This is where being educated can come in handy. The discussion on mental illnesses should be normalized. No one should have to feel ashamed for struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, and etc. Many people become afraid to reach out for help, for they are scared of what someone would think or what would happen. This in itself is another issue and another reason on why the topic of mental health should be more normalized.
People that are struggling with their mental health should know that their problems are valid. This is one’s health that is being discussed. Of course, anyone with health related issues should seek help. Mental illnesses are unfortunate, but important to be discussed. People who struggle with such illnesses are burrowing further down a hole they did not ask to be in.
Once again I would like to thank my teacher for shedding some light on the subject. It gave me some hope that one day people would be able to discuss mental health freely and there will no longer be a negative stigma.