Mental health is something that nearly all people, especially college students, continually struggle with. There are so many things that can contribute to poor mental health among people of all ages, but often at times people are quick to dismiss it as simply a "phase." This stigma attached to mental health is degrading, shameful, and tells people that their problems are not real. "It's all in your head, you'll feel better tomorrow." "Why are you depressed? Isn't it just the same thing as being sad?" "Everybody has anxiety, deal with it."
Saying those hurtful things both makes a person's condition worse as they begin to think of themselves in a negative way, and also shows one's ignorance of mental health conditions. As somebody who has personally struggled with mental health issues for years and knows many others with the same problem, this stigma needs to come to an end. Anxiety, for example, can be a serious problem that can lead to depression and it is very common among college students. People are quick to say that anxiety is not real, or that it is simply "worrying too much." Although worrying about things is a major part of anxiety, it extends far beyond that. There are many other causes and effects of anxiety and people experience it differently. Just because you have never experienced it does not mean that nobody else has.
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People with poor mental health are very likely to keep it hidden and not tell anyone out of fear of this stigma. They would feel ostracized and looked down upon by their friends and family because they often feel ashamed. Others can be more open about their conditions and seek medical help, but the stigma still applies. Many people still feel like they are alone because nobody understands how they feel, even with professional or medical help. It can cause people to shut themselves off from others, to keep everything to themselves, but talking about it to people you trust is one step to overcoming it. It is natural to want to keep things to yourself, but your friends and family are there to support you and help you through anything. They want you to talk to them, to tell them how you feel, and they want to help you.
If you are someone struggling with mental illness, you are not alone. Something that I tell myself all the time is that mental health can be more important than physical health. If you need to take a day off classes for personal reasons, do it. If you feel the need to talk to a professional or seek medical help, do it. There is no shame at all in taking the initiative to help yourself. It should not be a sign of weakness, rather a sign of great strength. Rapper Kid Cudi had recently checked himself into rehab because of his mental health, and he received overflowing support for his actions. That is a step in the right direction to ending this stigma. Do not see yourself as a victim, but see yourself as a warrior. A fighter. Because that is what you are.
If one of your close friends or family members works up the courage to tell you about a mental health problem, instead of questioning them or telling them to get over it, help them. Be there for them and support them. My friends mean the absolute world to me and I am always willing to help them overcome anything. It is simply a part of being a friend to someone. Mental health matters, and it is relevant. Do not let anybody tell you differently.
