Mental Health And Depression

We have come across this topic a lot of times in our lives but either we decided to not talk about it or made looks on it thinking it as not a serious illness. What we forget is to shine a light upon that mental health is important to talk about because it is an illness which you can’t see so you need to speak about it.

What is Mental Health? According to Mentalhealth.gov, our mental health is our emotional, psychological and social well being. It affects how we think, act, feel, handle stress and make choices in our lives. Let me give you an eye-opener which probably you wouldn’t be knowing. WHO conducted a report through the survey and stated that 450 million people around the world are suffering from some form of mental health illness. Bipolar disorder, depression(in most cases), anxiety or a deep trauma and so many more which we don't even know the names of.

It is not something to be ashamed about

If anyone is going through mental illness then there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It is normal to happen as the facts state most of the people are suffering from it. J.K. Rowling once in her interview said that in her early age she suffered from clinical depression even The famous Deepika Padukone was a victim of the same. What my point here is that it is a valid human illness, just because you don't see mental illness like you see a broken bone, doesn't mean it is not as devastating to an individual.

The stigma around it

Did you know? 3 out of 4 people with a known mental health illness never seek any help only because of the stigma surrounding it. It is to an extent that it makes people feel less than a human being and others judgment and opinions above their own. This all happens because we don't choose to talk and discuss this rather we neglect and take it lightly. Neglect of treatment leads to 18-22 veterans committing suicide everyday. Research says out of those victims committing suicide 90% were suffering from some kind of mental health illness.

Be honest and choose empowerment in place of neglect.

Gender Agenda

It is very important to address that any illness cannot be differentiated based on gender. Men or Women both have a mind and body which can suffer. Men in our society are often asked to suck it up and "Man up" whenever they come out. They are given labels and comments as "are you a man or a mouse".

What needs to be done?

The first and foremost thing we need to do is removing the stigma and a hardbound cover on the topic of mental health and depression. The education system needs to add this and make children aware right from an early age so that they feel comfortable.
Utilizing writing as an outlet helps a lot in clearing up our thoughts. I remember my teacher advising me when I suffered anxiety attacks that whenever you feel you are on the edge of it, write your thoughts down and journal sometimes. It really helps most of the people.
Channel your fears or inner demons by creating characters and writing your own stories. A writing routine do wonders!

It surely takes time to heal but the answer is to keep going and never be ashamed of speaking out and seeking an expert's help.

There is HOPE even if your brain tells you there isnt. _{- John Green}