May 3, 2021
People around the world struggle with mental illness that affects one’s emotions, thinking and behavior. Depending on the form of mental illness, it can be very draining and at times cannot be cured with any medicine or treatment.
While mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are prevalent in the United States, they are still stigmatized. Some hold on to the outdated idea that mental illness makes one weak or incapable. Others believe these people are attention seekers and need to toughen up.
Certain disorders such as depression or anxiety are romanticized or given more attention than other mental illnesses, especially on social media sites such as TikTok. Society needs to stop the stigma of all afflictions that affect the brain. Mental health needs to be talked about and normalized because it is something a lot of people struggle with, and people should not have to suffer in silence.
Even police officers fail to recognize people with mental illness, which results in devastating violence. People need to learn how to respond to someone who is mentally ill because these problems are very prevalent in society and require patience and carefulness. Mental illness can touch the lives of all people, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status.
While mental health disorders greatly affect those afflicted, they also affect the loved ones and families. They can build walls between parents and children, friends and siblings. Helping someone with mental illness can be very draining due to a constant feeling of being scared and worried for a loved one’s wellbeing.
Health today is emphasized through new diets, workout trends and other physical activities. However, exercising good mental health practices allows one to grow as a person and live a long, happy life. To prevent mental illnesses from developing or worsening, everybody should have a self-care routine and healthy coping mechanisms.
It can vary in individuals, but essentially, practicing self-care means putting self first and taking time to better oneself. While self-care can make you comfortable and lift your spirits, it should be done in moderation or it may turn destructive.
May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Therefore, there is no better time to gain awareness about mental health.
While mental health disorders greatly affect those afflicted, they also affect the loved ones and families. They can build walls between parents and children, friends and siblings.
The more aware people become of mental illness, the less stigma will surround it. And there is no better time than now to raise
However, it is important to not cherry-pick which mental illness is socially acceptable. People need to be informed and inform others about all disorders. They also need to realize not all disorders are the same and not all people will react the same. Informing others of mental health and making people feel comfortable about talking about their problems and living in their truest forms without having to hide the “ugly” parts will bring about positive change in the mental health of all people.
