Before reading this article, I would like to first state that this article is not a happy or funny subject like I usually write on and it touches on a topic that is very sensitive. It is mental health awareness month and I am deeply rooted in this issue. I thought that I would finally write a very serious article that would give me peace of mind and hopefully touch others as well. I hope that anyone that is going through any mental health problems to know that you are not the only one and there are many resources out there to help you and be there for you.
In my life, I have constantly kept myself busy so I never have the time to really reflect on life and myself. I am in a constant flow of activities from classes, clubs, jobs and more which helps me to keep away from my depression and anxiety. I believe that I am different from other people with anxiety. I use activities to avoid my anxiety while more or so often, other people get anxiety from doing activities. I know that I'm not the only one who fills their live full of activities to feel full and happy. And even when this happens, at the end of the day, we can still feel empty and worthless. I know at the end of the day I still toss and turn feeling that I left something undone or I could still be doing something better.
The instant reaction people have and one that I used to tell with people who have anxiety and depression is to try to tell the person to get over it and cheer up -- but this is the wrong way to do it. Listen to the person. No, really listen. Make sure the person is cared for and shown empathy and love. I honestly hate looking or being vulnerable in front of others, but I have luckily found some really good friends that are there for me when I need them. If you struggle with these situations and don't have a good support system yet, there are always people like myself and my friends that are openminded and are willing to listen.
Yes, I understand how hard it is to even admit when you have a problem. Not to be cliché, but an ideal solution would be to openly talk about it. There are counselors available to talk in person, on the phone, and online. They are here for you and they really do care. I remember the first person I talked to about my mental health situation too and they admitted to going through the same types of situations but had no idea how to address it while trying to not seem needy, weak, or dysfunctional. This came to me as a surprise because she was one of the most organized, outgoing, and happy people I knew. But people like us are the people to look out for. Sometimes the people you think have it all together or are the shining stars, may be the ones that need to be cared for most. If you have any hesitations because you feel anything like my friend or I did -- looking needy, weak, or something on those lines, think it through. Society is slowly breaking this stigma. When more people talk about it, it creates a stronger society where we can even rid the stigma more. There is nothing wrong with you as a person, you are a human and none of us are meant to be perfect.
