Did you know that one in five people experience a mental health condition?
That means mental health conditions are pretty common. Why it never seems that way is because of stigma, shame and avoidance. Many people are ignorant to mental health conditions, some refuse to learn and some avoid addressing the reality of it and many who suffer from them are ashamed or afraid. This creates a huge issue in society where we don't discuss mental health and we help to perpetuate the problem.
Global Problem
Recently even within the K-Pop culture there have been two suicides by artist Sulli and Goo Hara. While it threw their fans into shock it also did something else, it showed that mental health issues affect every culture, every race, every social status. The death of the artist sparked a discussion between a classmate and I about how important it is for mental health to be discussed and why we think society isn't stepping up to it the way it should.
Understanding Is Key
“Mental health isn’t all about mental illness; however, if we don’t manage our mental health our issues can take an ugly turn into mental illness.”
“Mental illness do not designate a set path to failure. It’s simply a chemical or hormone imbalance that causes individuals to accept and process new information in a different way.” Okisha Jackson
The same way we think it's important to learn academics and skills, it is important to learn about the things in life which affect the societies we live in, the persons dear to us and ourselves. Reading, watching, listening to factual information can allow us to be more engaged and responsible human beings. If we gain a better understanding of mental health and mental health conditions, we would be better able to take better care of ourselves, spot the signs and symptoms and be more empathic.
“A lot of you cared, just not enough.” Jay Asher
We All Have A Role To Play
We are all responsible, you and I can make a difference. The simple things we do or don't do that highlight or draw attention to mental health can either grow the discussion and movement or help it to dwindle. Mental health is something that no one should feel ashamed to talk about.
If you don't suffer from them, you know someone who does and you have been impacted by the choices or actions of someone who does. Don't ever think it is not your problem or it can't happen to you. Mental health conditions do not discriminate although society does. The next time you share on social media or strike up a conversation can be the time you advocate or disassociate. Choose wisely!
Àṣẹ
Faith
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