Do you know anyone who needs help with their mental health? Perhaps they’re anxious or depressed, or maybe they’d like some tips on how to manage stress better. Even if you don’t, you may have a family member or friend who is struggling. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health makes it difficult for people to seek treatment. That’s why it’s important for all of us to talk about it and take action to prevent future crises from getting out of control.
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being, which can impact how they think, feel, and behave. It is the state of being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. Mental health includes aspects such as mood, thoughts, behaviors, and social interactions. Mental health is a range of issues including anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s not just a “crazy idea” that people may have thoughts or feelings that aren’t “normal.” Like all health conditions, mental health can be treated, but it’s more challenging because symptoms vary from person to person. It’s important to remember that mental health is different from physical health. Mental health illnesses are usually slower to develop and can be treated more expensively than other disorders. People with mental health conditions are often more vulnerable to the things that stress other people—job loss, relationship problems, financial crises, etc.—so it’s important to know how to de-stress so you can stay healthy and strong.
Stigma and myths about mental health
There are a few myths about mental health that need to be exploded first. Thankfully, there are also a few facts at the same time. Here are some of the most prevalent: Mental illness doesn’t exist. While it’s true that the majority of people will experience at least one episode of anxiety or depression in their lifetime, people with mental health issues can also experience well-being and happiness. Nobody knows how to help you. While you can ask family, friends, and health care providers for help, you should also seek support from the community. You don’t need to talk to people who have the same condition as you. Finding support from others who understand can be comforting and can help you feel less alone. The stigma around mental health affects people in all walks of life. People with mental health conditions aren’t more likely to seek help than others. They’re more likely to internalize the stigma and to forgo help because they feel it’s not “worthy” of them. People with mental health conditions are often not aware that they have a “lifestyle illness.”
Talking to your kids about mental health
Knowing the facts about mental health can help your kids understand why they need to seek help if they’re having problems. You can also try talking to your kids about how they can prevent mental health issues from getting out of control. For example, instead of saying “That’s really bad, you’re going to be depressed if you keep doing that,” you could say, “Well, if I keep doing that, then I’m going to be really unhappy. That’s not a good thing, so I need to stop doing it.” Kids are usually better at reasoning than adults are, so you could also try telling them why you need help and how they could help. They might not “get it,” but you can explain what you think they “get” and why you think that’s true.
Searching for help online
Many people find it helpful to search for support online. The Internet has a wealth of information, from blogs to forums to support pages. There are also plenty of apps for smartphones and tablets that you can use to message friends and family members for support. Finding a support group in your area can also be helpful if you’re not able to find a local chapter of a mental health organization. These groups are usually open to the public and usually meet in a club or auditorium. Online support groups often have the added benefit of being able to message friends and family members to ask for help, since you’re not in a face-to-face conversation with them.
Help for yourself
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the possibility of a serious mental health condition taking over your life. First, know that there is help available. Anyone can ask for help, and you don’t have to do it alone. Find a community that you can trust to help you through this challenging time. Find ways to de-stress. Create a stress-management plan to reduce your stress level so you can focus better during your therapy sessions. Stay aware of your symptoms. If you start to feel a mental health condition coming on, stay calm and call a friend or a doctor so you don’t hurt yourself. It’s easier to let someone help you than to try to diagnose yourself. Engage in self-care. It may seem like the thing to do when you’re having a mental health condition, but you’re more likely to relax and get your spirits back when you don’t feel stressed out. Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and trying out new activities that you might enjoy.
Conclusion
Mental health conditions are common and can be difficult to talk about. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that many people feel the same way you do. Don’t put down those medication or counseling sessions just because you don’t feel like you’re “doing it right” and you miss taking your medication. Feeling inadequate is a common side effect for people who’ve never been able to take their medication correctly. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues, there are a few things you can do to make a difference. Get informed. Talk to other people with similar issues, and get help if you need it. Remember that you are not alone and that people have dealt with similar challenges and issues before.
