Is mental illness real? To be honest, everyone will have a different answer to that question based on their individual life circumstances. If you suffer from mental illness, of which there are a variety of forms, you might be wondering how someone could ask a question like that. Even if you don’t suffer from mental illness personally, you might still be very much aware of how real it is. But, due to the stigma around mental illness, there are still some individuals who believe that labeling them as illnesses takes away personal responsibility.
Well, did you know that statistics have recently shown that someone dies from suicide in the US every 13 minutes? Or that nearly 1 million Americans attempt suicide each year? With almost 50,000 of those being successful? And I really think it is such a shame that society waits until tragedies such as Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Robin Williams, Chester Bennington, and many others to open up about it. We all have the potential to develop mental health problems. Male or female, whatever your ethnic or socioeconomic background. Mental illness does not discriminate!
So let’s go back to the subject of stigma around mental illness. Does it make sense to label it as an illness? Well, it turns out that with this stigma people tend to hold negative beliefs regardless of age, knowledge of mental health problems, or whether they know someone with a mental health problem. This needs to change! It doesn’t take much time or effort to educate ourselves. Plus, the more aware people become of mental illness and the importance of mental health, the more we can all do to break this stupid stigma.
What’s important for more people to know is that a mental illness diagnosis doesn’t explain someone’s symptoms, it really just describes them. Yes, mental illnesses have root causes, from genetics to their environment, but a diagnosis doesn’t determine what those causes are. So look at it this way: mental illness diagnoses are descriptions of the actual sufferings people are experiencing. The most common types of mental illness are anxiety disorders like PTSD, mood disorders like depression, and schizophrenic disorders.
It’s not always possible to tell whether someone has a mental health problem as well. I mean everybody has times they are down and it might take a bit to get back up. But keep an eye out and be attentive. If it seems like someone you know is withdrawing from their favorite activities or feel unhappy often, something might be up. Talk to them. You aren’t responsible for getting them better, but show them you care! Also, what works for one person doesn’t always work for someone else.
If you can, point them in the right direction for help. Just show them that their symptoms are valid and try to get them in touch with someone who is better suited to help them. Some might look into self-help methods, others into therapy. Sometimes the use of medication can improve symptoms. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. Also, Please Live is a great place to get the proper help for whatever situation you are in. Click on the name to get to their site. From abuse to addiction resources, and so much more, it is a resource I suggest keeping handy.
So please, let’s end the stigma behind mental illness and talk about before it’s too late. Also, check out my post on why it’s hard being yourself. And comment down below what your beliefs about mental illness are. Did you learn anything you didn’t already know?
Until next time, let’s make life as simple as could be(:
XoXo-Branndolynne
Hair and Makeup by Angela Nunnink Photos by Angela Nunnink
