Mental health is unfortunately often overlooked and misunderstood, but it is just as important as one’s physical health. Although the importance of mental health awareness has become increasingly recognized, many people who struggle with it still stay silent and aren’t aware of how to manage it. Raising awareness is crucial as it encourages others to seek help and provides strategies and tools to cope with life’s challenges.
According to the CDC, mental health is the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of a person. It can affect us in many ways such as how we think, feel, act, etc. Anyone, regardless of age, gender and race, can suffer with mental health problems. Some common mental health disorders include anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, schizophrenia, dementia, etc. These can all vary in severity and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as one’s environment, genetics, trauma, etc. Nevertheless, from mild to severe, these mental health problems can affect one’s life negatively.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that over 970 million people worldwide live with a mental disorder. Unfortunately, due to the stigma around mental illnesses, this often leads to many of these people not getting the help they need. It is important to highlight mental health awareness to reduce the stigma and promote early intervention. Many people are reluctant to seek help because they do not want to be seen as “weak” by society. By increasing awareness, society will be more understanding and empathetic, allowing those who struggle to feel supported. Early intervention allows people to have a greater chance of managing their symptoms and reduces the impact on their life early on. Awareness can also help people recognize symptoms in themselves and others around, letting them pursue help before the situation worsens.
There are many strategies and resources available to help manage and cope with mental illnesses. The most effective way is to seek professional help from a therapist. Therapists help you understand your feelings, thoughts, and actions, as well as providing valuable lessons and coping skills. Building a support group is another helpful strategy as opening up to trusted family and friends can provide emotional support while also taking the burden off of one’s shoulders. Joining support groups can also be valuable as it allows one to connect with those who share similar experiences, creating a sense of belonging and community. Lastly, practicing self-care and limiting exposure to stress can be beneficial. Examples of self-care include exercise, good sleep habits, eating healthy, and setting goals. Stress can trigger and worsen mental health, so learning to create boundaries and taking a step back is important. For instance, whenever Joyce Rutherford (10) is feeling stressed or overwhelmed with school, her coping method is “making plans with friends to take [her] mind off the assignment.” All in all, finding a strategy that works for you will be beneficial in the long run and allows you to rely on something when in need.
Mental health awareness empowers individuals to seek help and learn how to cope. By reducing the stigma, educating people, and promoting coping strategies, this can create a community that is supportive and uplifting towards people struggling with mental health. Remember, if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental illnesses, resources and hotlines are available and you don’t have to struggle silently.
