When someone breaks their leg people immediately go to get help, when someone faints people call 911, when someone is having an allergic reaction they get the epi-pen, basically people know what to do in terms of physical illness.
But how do people handle mental illness, what can they do if someone is having a panic attack, what can they do if someone is feeling down and they don't know what to say to them?
One of the reasons people to ask for help in regards to mental health is because they don't know how to ask, or they are so worried about being judged by other people, maybe they feel like they won't understand.
It is very easy to put on a face that people want to see when deep down you aren't happy. You put on that face because you don't want to be a burden to anyone
Having a mental illness myself and reading about so many people dying because of suicide, I want to be a voice for those who may be too afraid to use theirs.
One of the main things that I want to do after I graduate is become an advocate for mental health, I feel like we need to let people know that they are not alone, that they do have people that care about them. I have been where you guys are before and I want to make sure no one else ever feels alone.
I feel it's important to advocate for mental health because it is important just like physical health is important we need to pay attention to both but don't pay attention to one more than the other.
While it is important to share the number for the suicide hotline (1-800-273-8255) it is also important to listen to others, let them talk to you, even if you don't always give the best advice, or you don't know what to say, just let them talk, even if it's trivial, just listen they will be happy knowing that you listened.
Also, make sure you take care of yourself, you are worth it, you deserve it, after all, you been through so much. And for those who want to help out, make sure that you are there for them, give them support and love, they will probably need it you never know what is going on in someone's head, be the person that makes a difference in that one person's life.
You are all wonderful don't ever forget that!