Mental Health

The physiological and psychological impact of stress and anxiety can have a detrimental effect on overall health when left untreated. Stress and anxiety are a constant, keeping it at bay is sometimes overwhelming, and makes eventual depression difficult to escape. Mental illnesses among those suffering are profound and complicates other comorbid chronic illnesses. As human beings, we are too quick to judge, and we seldom realize that others are judging us as well. Most often our beliefs about mental illness are wrong, either we don't understand the illness, or we generally don't care about those living with the illness. Mental illness has a huge stigma associated with it, especially among cultures that consider it taboo to seek help or even talk about mental health issues.

“Mental health is not a question of faith or belief; it is a universal human concern. It is important to create a culture of encounter and solidarity, where those suffering from mental illness are not stigmatized but supported and loved.” - Pope Francis 

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’” - C. S. Lewis

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.“ - Bill Clinton

As a society, we are flawed in so many ways, yet we can rise to the occasion when needed. It takes educating and informing oneself about the obstacles and challenges mental health issues create. Ignoring the problems does not necessarily get rid of the problem, and ignorance only hides the truth that has failed to be accepted. We must inform, help, and educate our family and peers about mental health issues. It is often too late when awareness is raised or addressed to the seriousness of the problem. Especially when untreated mental illness leads to suicide ideation or even suicide itself. The detrimental impact it has on a family is overwhelming, trying to understand and comprehend how that is possible, or why their family member or friend does that. The pain of mental illnesses often impedes the sanity of those affected, and their extended family and friends.

“Mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. We must foster a culture of openness and support, where individuals feel safe to seek help and receive the care they need.” - Pope Francis 

“I believe the best way to manage our thoughts is to first educate ourselves. We need to fully understand how a mental illness can feel to someone before we thoughtfully talk about it.” - Kati Morton

“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you can realize is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it, you’re not gonna be the last to go through it,” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

People suffering from depression can receive help from treatment, and it is vital for them to obtain or receive the help they need. Times have changed, and awareness of mental health is widely clear now. A constant focus on mental health education helps keep the scope and attention it requires, which will help alleviate problems patients face. As life progresses and our lives change, we should stop for a moment and consider those who are stricken with debilitating mental illnesses. We may not feel their pain but at least we can have some level of understanding for the circumstances they face. Humanity might not stop their habitual stereotyping of individuals with mental illness all at once, but I hope they can regain empathy. It is with the cooperation of each other and our overall society, that we can help those affected live a much better life.

“Mental health issues affect families, relationships, and communities. We must work together to dismantle the barriers of stigma and discrimination, and promote mental well-being for all.” - Pope Francis 

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - J. K. Rowling

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” — Fred Rogers