Be An Advocate For Mental Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Be An Advocate For Mental Health

Your mental health is crucial to your life; advocate for it!

291
Be An Advocate For Mental Health
Financial Tribune

When it comes to a physical illness such as a broken arm or someone having a seizure in public, most people know what to do (and that is to see a doctor or to call 911). Why is it that mental health has to be so much different?

A lot of times, mental illnesses aren't something you can see on the outside and just diagnose a person with. It's extremely hard for someone suffering from a mental illness to just come right out and state that they're struggling. If it's hard for a person to admit to themselves that they're having a hard time, imagine how hard it must be to admit to someone else. People with mental illnesses will not reach out until it's absolutely crucial to their health, and sometimes even that can be too late.

Society these days is so "unaware" and unconcerned about mental health, and pretends that it is not a problem drastically affecting our world. There are roughly 121 suicides a day, and for each suicide, 25 people attempt. These statistics are rarely brought to people's attention. The government and many others seem to think mental illness doesn't exist (suicide costs the US an average of $51 billion annually).

I will always be an advocate for mental health because I know what it's like to not be able to get out of bed in the morning. I know what it's like to see loved ones being committed to the psychiatric unit. I know what it's like to lose a loved one to suicide.

I hope that while you're reading this article, you decide to also be an advocate for mental health; your own and those surrounding you. Learn to listen and how to make someone's day a little brighter. Learn how to brighten your own day.

Whether it's depression, anxiety, anorexia, OCD, PTSD or bipolar disorder- please know that your illness does NOT define you. It can not overtake you unless you choose to let it. Get help, know that you have people that care about you, and most importantly, do not ignore the signs. Educate yourself and pass it on to others because mental health DOES matter.

Remember- you are all beautiful humans who are worthy of life!


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or use the text line by texting TALK to 741741

Statistics provided by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (asp.org)


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70796
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132410
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments