When something is so important, you need to talk about it…but it’s so big. How do you do that? What do you say in a 500 word blog opinion article about such a complex and overwhelming topic?
You just start the conversation. You remind people it exists, and you keep reminding until we see lasting change for the better.
Mental Health. I talk a lot about it on the podcast, I elude to it almost every week in my training updates, and I am somewhat open about my personal struggles on Social Media. I surround myself with resources that allow me to process what and how I feel, and I believe that when I share my story, I am helping someone else embrace theirs.
I have ADHD, mild depression, and social anxiety, all undiagnosed officially, but when it comes to Mental Health, I believe I’m self-aware enough to know “I got issues.” Not meaning to poke fun at something that isn’t funny, but I do. I got issues…I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t. I have experienced sexual trauma, emotional manipulation, and known enough toxic people to know when to run for the hills. I also know that my life experience is nothing compared to others I know and love.
This isn’t about me, though. This is about how hard those with Mental Health concerns have to fight to be heard, understood, or even acknowledged. It’s just all so big, though.
There is a laundry list of Mental Health issues plaguing our world, and it took a pandemic and an Olympic Superstar to shine a spotlight on it — well, more like a flashlight, because we have a very long way to go. This is why Mental Health is so big. Where do you even start? How do you address the multitude of diagnoses: PTSD, Depression, Bipolar, Narcissism, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, and…and so, so much else?
We start by acknowledging it exists. It is all real. We start by advocating for ourselves and our loved ones. We start by shutting down those who tell us to just, “get over it,” and say, that’s not how it works. We start by sharing our struggles with those we trust and those who would see us cope better.
But we start. Now. We start right now.
We start by starting conversations with people in the room. We start by owning our experiences. We start by acknowledging that maybe we can’t do it all alone, and find someone to help us.
Mental Health care still has a stigma attached to it…but aren’t we living in the 21st century now?
Getting help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you brave. Not a single one of us human beings can get through this life alone.
So for World Mental Health Day, I would encourage you to consider a few things.
How can you support someone you know who has Mental Health Concerns? What can you do to help, or get help for yourself? Is there something you can do right now to live healthier?
For more information on today’s Mental Health Industry, please check out:
World Health Organization, WMHD 2021
The USA’s National Suicide Prevention Life line: 800-273-8255
The USA’s National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7255)
You can also check out Cinema Therapy on YouTube for a light-hearted look at therapy from a cinephile’s point of view. Mended Light deals with Relationship and Trauma.
Lastly, you can find helpful app resources such as BetterHelp.com for personalized counseling.
