Everyday Is Mental Health Day
So far as the 21st century is concerned we’ve had conversations about pretty much everything. But still subjects like Mental Health have rarely been up for discussions in spite of Mental Illness being the second source of death and the fact that many of us are suffering from mental illnesses.
Why are we not having this conversation as much as possible?
There has been a lot of stigmatization, stereotypes and jokes tied up to mental illness. In different African countries when someone is diagnosed with mental illness then witchcraft is usually tried to be brought up in the picture. And in different countries in Europe and America when someone is diagnosed with mental illness then that person is said to be weak, dramatic or many other things that do not really make sense.
What most people fail to understand is that Mental Illness is a DISEASE LIKE ANY OTHER DISEASE. Just like how you feel a stomach ache and know something is wrong and you have to treat it the same way it is with your Mental Health.
What Can We Do?
The best thing we can do is sincerely check on one another. The ones who look happy needs you and so does the ones who look sad. The ones looking happy may be hiding the worst pain possible through their smiles and the ones looking sad are just so tired of hiding their pain and they can no longer hold it in. So let’s take it easy on one another, let’s cut each other some slack. Let’s remember that Mental Illness can attack ANYONE, ANYWHERE. And let’s not be ashamed of speaking out about our illnesses and let’s stop pointing fingers on others. And let’s all seriously take time to check on one another by asking those people around us if they are OK on a daily basis. The conversation can simply start by asking them HOW ARE YOU? Not for the sake of just greeting but for the sake of seriously checking on them. They may not tell you but they need your help. So take time to call a friend to know if they need anything. Your call might save someone’s life. Even the toughest people need love and compassion too.
