Mental health… it’s something that we try to avoid in our conversations.
But how can you avoid something if you’re living with it? You can’t. Sure, you might not talk about it, but the fact of the matter is, talking about it is what we need to do.
Jack Harries says it well in his newest video. When it comes to mental health we focus more on the stigma of it than the actual health issue itself. We’ll help anyone who is in physical pain, but if their hurting mentally or emotionally, we run away from them. We make them deal with it on their own. It’s because of this action that people who suffer from these disorders don’t talk to anyone about what they’re going through; they know they’re most likely to be rejected.
“We live in a world where when you break your arm, everyone runs over to sign your cast. But if you tell people you’re depressed, everyone runs the other way.”
See how we’re making the problem worse?
Mental health isn’t easy to deal with, both for the person and the people they associate with (so long as they know about it). As a psychology minor I’ve taken Abnormal Psychology and learned in depth about what these mental health problems entail. While I may not know everything about them, I do know that it really is something that affects people and it’s not easy to “cure” if you can even say that it can be cured.
While I do agree with Jack that medication are something that can help, I don’t believe that medication alone is the answer. In fact, one thing I learned is that in some cases, medications aren’t that effective without the social support behind them. I am a firm believer that someone suffering from a mental disorder needs that social support to help them. Humans are relational creatures after all, it’s one of the main purposes of our creation. We’re meant to have social interactions and form relationships with each other. Even people who are suffering from physical ailments need that social support behind them. Why should those with mental health problems be any different?
So if you are suffering, confide in someone. If you’re not, reach out to someone who is.
orangeowldiaries 
I like this post, and that’s a good quote to give context. I agree with you that medication can help but it needs support. It may address some symptoms and improve the quality of life for the person, but it can’t be the sole cure. As with everything, it feels like education about the issue would create a more understanding and therefore supportive environment for those with mental disorders.
Thanks! That was a huge topic we covered in my class, that medication needs social support. And you’re right, if more people were educated about mental health there would be more support for those suffering from it.
Great post! Mental health really is such a taboo issue, one needing much more positive attention. while I do agree with you that meds can help, I also believe they should be used as a last resort when other options have failed to work without the aid of them. I feel we love in a society much to happy to throw a pill at the problem rather than deal with the issue which is often solved by therapy to get to the root of what is causing it In many cases.
That’s true. Doctors would just rather drug people up than try to help them in a social aspect first. Same goes with family members. There are many people who just say, “You can take a pill for your anxiety, depression, etc.” It’s really sad and people don’t realize that in many cases it’s the drugs that lead to suicides and people snapping and hurting others.
What a wonderful post, it is so important to understand. Change starts within. As a psychology major wanting to go into counseling as a profession, I support this message. Awareness and education are the first steps.
Thank you! And that’s awesome! I wish you well with that. Psychology was my second choice as a profession, which was why I decided on it as a minor.
Thats so cool, what did you end up majoring in?
Communication with a concentration in Media Production :)