My truths about Mental Health

The reality is sometimes harsh but that just makes altering it that much more rewarding.

The first truth is that our mental health is an extremely important part of our overall well-being. We focus a great deal on our physical health and so do doctors, the food and beverage industries, marketing and advertising agencies who are quick to sell us the latest healthiest option. Of course there are no quick-fix products for any health benefit. It requires attention, special care, dedication to improve your situation and time to heal.

The second truth is that most of us neglect it, ignore it or do not seek help when we need it. We are quick to see a doctor when we have a sore throat or persistent cough but people can have a mental illness for years and never seek help.

The third truth is that I don’t know much about this topic but I do know that it needs to be openly discussed, the negative stigma attached to it needs to be eradicated and we all need to take better care of our mental health.

There are some startling statistics that highlight just how prevalent mental health issues are in society and although they are worth sharing, I believe that the personal stories and testimonials that we recount to each other will be the most compelling driver of change in shedding light on an issue that has been lurking in the shadows for far too long.

My exposure as an educator has allowed me to witness first-hand the emotional ups and downs of teens and the mental struggles that many of them face at some point in their development. This has also given me a privileged insight into what needs to be done to support these young people, who are often facing these challenges for the first time during their high school years, but will most likely face them several times more throughout their young adult and adult lives.

It is important to recognize, accept and communicate that these struggles are “normal”. They are a fact of life that everyone faces. Whether it is related to family, friendship or school stress, being anxious about life or a particular aspect of it, coming to terms with sexual orientation, managing disappointment, sadness or tragedy, not embracing the reflection in the mirror, or feeling the need to be perfect and for the world around us to mirror that expectation.

These are all “real” situations that have their place in our society. These “issues” which I think of as states of being, are not only seen behind closed doors, they do not exist solely inside a person’s head and they do not only impact the affected individual.

Where does the stigma come from and why does it persist?

The struggles listed above can also be expressed in a positive manner. The emotions emanating from family, friends and school can all be happy and loving, perhaps the anxiety that is being felt is simply due to a lack of sleep or preparation, one can be embracing their sexual orientation and feeling a weight lifted off their shoulders, managing success, love or an extraordinary situation, actually embracing the reflection in the mirror, and accepting yourself for who you are and how you fit into this complex world.

Why does one reflection create such a radiant shine whereas the light at the other end of the spectrum creates a debilitating feeling of despair. They are not so different after all. They are, for the most part, temporary states of being. The lustre will wear off in some areas of our life and the dullness in others will brighten. There is a give and take relationship in life which unfortunately is not always matched with the understanding and acceptance that are necessary to navigate through those turbulent times.

My own, thankfully temporary, struggle with a mental health issue arose after I sustained a concussion which required a lengthy recovery period, that was highlighted by a lack of definitive information from the medical professionals, intense self-doubt, invisible injuries and a lack of understanding by those around me. I was not diagnosed with depression but I felt depressed. I did not suffer from clinical anxiety but I was anxious about most things. I did not have stress, I was stressed. The past seemed brighter, the present felt empty and the future appeared uncertain. For someone who likes to look ahead to the future and enjoys personal and professional planning, this was a challenge and difficult to process.

It was awkward to not look forward but rather hope that the past would return. I wonder if that is how some people feel all the time. That must be incredibly difficult.

I also was not able to exercise or sleep adequately and that takes a significant toll on the body’s ability to function at its best. I wonder if some people have those challenges every day and every night. That must be incredibly difficult.

I felt uncomfortable talking about how I was feeling because my pain was invisible and I was able to hide my struggles, although I had family and friends who were supportive. I wonder if some people do not have anyone who they can share their mental health struggles with. That must be incredibly difficult.

The people around me demonstrated empathy and understanding regarding my state of health. I wonder if some people are surrounded by others who do not accept mental health issues or worse, blame the individual for their problems. That must be incredibly difficult.

What if it could all change?

What if everyone was knowledgeable about mental health?

What if everyone accepted that people struggle at times?

What if those struggles were met with compassion and respect?

What if everyone felt comfortable talking about their mental health issues?

What if we all decided to initiate the change necessary to break the stigma?

I am.

Will you?