Mental health is described as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being, in the Oxford dictionary. Many people hear these two words and automatically think about a “crazy” person. They picture someone that is “unstable” and dangerous to themselves and society. This is a horrible societal depiction of some that is merely misunderstood. As someone with mental health diagnoses, this is a way of thinking I personally would love to debunk.
Mental health is associated to psychological and emotional well-being, but it is more than that. It is caring for oneself, even when you feel you can't. It's walking outside in pajamas with uncombed hair, because you have finally been able to get out of bed for the first time in days, weeks, or even months. It's being able to ask for help without fear of ridicule from those around you or the unwarranted “advice”, such as; “just be happy”, “but you're too handsome/beautiful to be depressed” or my absolute favorite, “just stop being (enter mental health symptom here)”. If you have ever heard any of these or other phrases, then you understand, and I am sorry to hear it. The thing is, some people really think this will help us. They think it is something we can just control. Sadly, this is not the case. Mental health is our responsibility, yes, but it is not something that we can just snap our fingers and have under control It takes time, and the scariest thing of all...asking for help.
There are so many mental health diagnoses out there; Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2, Cyclothymia, BPD, DID, OSDD, anxiety disorders, etc. Each diagnosis has its' own identifying characteristics, form of treatment, and severity, just as each person does. According to NIMH, nearly 1 in 5 adults n the US lives with mental health diagnosis. That was about 51.5 mil people in 2019. So many people think that they would know if someone had a diagnosis, but have at least 4 people in their life that has a hidden diagnosis. They are hidden for many reasons too. Either the people does not know they have a mental health disorder, don't believe they have one, or are keeping it a secret from others out of the fear of society turning against them. This is the reason that so many in the world do not seek help.
Seeking help is no easy task, I know. It is hard and scary for some of us. It's financially impossible for us too, sometimes. The world has not gotten to a point of truly accepting that mental health is real and serious either. There are still people that call others “snowflakes” when they show signs of mental health disorders of any kind. People with mental health are seen as weak, troubled, etc. It hurts and makes some of us never want to ask for help or admit that there is something going on with us until it is too late.
So, the point here is not to remind anyone of the fact that it is hard out there for us. It isn't to scare those out of speaking up and fighting for their health and a life that is some sort of normal. The point here is to let y'all know that you are not alone. I understand what you are going through, to an extent. I have experienced things in my own way. My diagnoses may be different from yours, but they are still mental health. It took me 16 years to finally be able to ask for help and while I am happy that I am getting it now, I wish I had gotten it all those years ago. So, please, remember this one thing; it is okay not to be okay. If you need help or know someone that needs help reach out. Find someone you can trust or a professional that is able to help. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't let finances stop you. There are so many options out there for us. I hope this helped someone. You are loved.
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