Breaking the stigma regarding mental health:
In a society, where humans tend to wear masks shields to conceal their emotions. Behind every smiling face, lies an inner struggle and battles that people chose to fight alone. Other than age, race, and gender, there lies another battle, which is often ignored by society - "mental health". Behind those smiles-behind closed doors, there are innumerable individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health challenges. Do you know why it is that they fight alone? In our flawed society, mental health is regarded as ‘shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’. This stigma leads to people bottling themselves up until it becomes all too much and they choose a dark path. According to researchers, almost 1 million people pass due to suicide annually. Think about it. Suicide ranks among the world’s third most leading cause of death.
The Stigma Regarding Mental Health:
Due to this shame, people tend to hide their struggles with mental health. They end up committing suicide due to all the bottled up negativity. Being a part of this minority, I’m well aware how it feels when people mock you for you mental health. Why is it that people blame the victims? It is not their fault that they face such challenges. When trying to open up, many thoughts go through the head: "What will people think about me? Isn’t mental health just another physical issue? Why separate the two?
Mental health causes individuals to face all kinds of problems. It affects both the personal and the professional life. I myself have faced this. I myself used to be a student who achieved good grades but all of a sudden my grades started falling below average. People always judged me on my grades and yet no one ever sincerely lent me a hand of aid. It destroyed my reputation as a good student. I received all kinds of mocking but what I never received was someone who could save me from this pool of emotions which were killing me. No one would be willing to destroy their results and make themselves ashamed, let alone try to understand others. As a part of society, we should help others rather than make fun of them. You never know how many times your words are going to echo in someone's head. We should all strive to make a good impact.
The Beacon of Hope:
There have been a myriad of organizations established to provide mental health support to people, as well as to spread awareness and education regarding mental health. We can also contribute our part to change societal misconceptions regarding mental health. It will not only positively impact our lives but will also bring a beacon of hope to countless individuals' lives. It fills my heart with great joy to see so much of the youth joining hands with organizations trying to help. If every person starts to play their part in this cause slowly but surely, our society will change for the better.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE:
To all those out there who are struggling with mental health, you must remember that you are not alone. Do not let these feelings destroy you. Never hesitate to ask for help. Therapy is not shameful. If going to a cardiologist or any other doctor is not considered a shame then why should you consider therapy a shame? Make yourself strong. For all the negativity in society, there will always be positivity to counter it.
BRING A CHANGE:
Let's just abolish this taboo relating to mental health. It's important to break the silence. Mental health is an integral part of our well-being. Understand your loved ones better, unveil the silent struggles. Embrace the reality of mental health challenges and ensure that no one has to endure their battles alone. Let's unite and build a society that prioritizes mental health, where seeking help is not considered shameful. Only then will we be able to heal the hidden wounds. This journey may be challenging, but remember the outcome will be immeasurable. As we depart from these words, let us carry the light of mental health advocacy within our hearts and become the guiding light for those struggling in the darkness. Let's become the hand that lifts others up. The hands that breaks the silence.
Comments