We tend to treat it as a taboo, something to be only whispered about.
This “thing” is currently the biggest health issue in Europe, every 1 person in 4 is concerned throughout his/her life at some point. Mental health problems do not discriminate, they can happen to anybody, yet we struggle being aware or acknowledge them. Because it is awkward. Because what will others say. Because no one would care or understand anyway…
My mental health struggles had started with panic attacks, then led to depression and anxiety. Sometimes I felt great, other days not so much. It took me years to work my way out back to the light again and I know how much strength, endurance and will one must possess in order to manage. I have come a long way and truly believe that had I had someone to talk about it at the very beginning, knowing that it is ok experience depression, anxiety or panic, I would have recovered much faster and with less pain and struggle.
I will always be open and honest about my journey, my experiences and will happily share my learnings. If it helps even just one person then it is worth it.
When something hurts or is broken the way to deal with it is to see a doctor, perhaps take some medication or get a treatment. That is the “normal” thing to do in order to get better. Why is it so hard then to do the same when the pain/problem is somewhere else, some place less obvious?
The answer is that the intangible character of mental health issues make them a shameful experience. At least this is how society reacts to them: if you have a heart burn that’s fine, but having depression, panic disorder is a no-no.
People had reacted to my condition in many ways. Various people had various opinions, judged me in different ways. Most of them did not know how to handle, or deal with it, including family, friends. They didn't understand, because never had experienced it, they pretended not to notice/hear or take it, me seriously. Some'd said that I wanted more attention, that I had too much time to think, and that I should have kept myself busy. Some, despite knowing about my everyday struggle had chosen to make a degrading speech about people with mental health issues and pointed out that all of them were weak, and those who took medication were the worse ones.
Do not believe them! It is nothing to be ashamed of or feel guilt about. There's is no right or wrong time for any kind of mental health issues. It is always valid and justified.
10 reasons why we should talk about mental health:
The more we talk about it, the more others will open up and eventually we'll create a culture where it is acceptable to have a conversation about mental health
Sharing is caring
It can save a life
It helps to release tension and facilitates healing
To address judgements and to educate to prevent judgements
Because it is just as part of life as anything else
To give hope
To empower those suffering
To sparkle solutions
To connect on a deeper level
What other reasons would you add to this list?