This week, for many who do not know, is Mental Health Awareness Week. Every year, I am astounded at how many people take to social media and voice their thoughts, feelings and concerns, only to return to quiet accounts the following week (and ultimately, the rest of the year). There are literally millions of people who continuously face ongoing battles of depression, anxiety disorder, eating and body disorders, and so many more, and yet what does society do about it but laugh and make jokes? Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for them, but for the millions who still hold a falsified stigma against those suffering.
I’m further amazed every time I log on and find someone using a mental health disorder as an adjective to something bad, completely insensitive to those that have said disorder and completely stupid in their approach. The infamous “This weather is Bipolar” or “gosh, you like to clean you must be OCD” have never been cute, and only exacerbate the stupidity of a society that still looks down on Mental Health and Awareness instead of taking steps to help those that have it.
Let’s also make one thing very, VERY clear. Mental Disorders can affect anyone, not just white people. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illnesses, 1 in 4 Americans are affected by mental illnesses annually. I know some are perhaps snickering at that comment, but you’d be surprised at how many people truly believe someone just “chooses” to have these disorders.
It’s quite an unfortunate thing that society has taught us that we “choose” to have attacks of the mind, as if mental illnesses are that far off from physical illnesses. Would you go to St. Jude’s and tell a child they “chose” to have cancer? Yet, somehow, we are suppose to have more control of the mind. People never factor in the scientifically proven chemical imbalances that are happening in the body, so no, Mama isn’t just choosing to be sad, there’s actually something wrong.
Depression can not just be cured by walking outside and getting friends. Suicidal thoughts can not just be stopped by having one great day at the park with ice cream. Simple remedies can not solve complex issues, and the sooner people learn that, the better off a lot of things would be.
I suffer with OCD at times, usually during points in my life I find myself extremely anxious and prone to panic attacks. This was not a self-diagnosis, but proven through examination of a PROFESSIONAL. Stop diagnosing yourself and other people. No, I do not scrub incessantly to make sure everything is spotless. These stereotypes affect some of us, but not all. You can not diagnose a disease off of a few characteristics that may or may not happen. Yes, I have panic attacks. Simply telling me to “calm down” don’t help, baby girl. What I have learned, and has helped me to help others, is learning that I AM NOT MY SICKNESS. I am still a beautiful young lady with dreams, hopes and desires. And I’m still badass.
The point of this post is simply to let the masses know that people with Mental Disorders are still functioning human beings, who just happen to function differently than you. During Mental Health & Awareness Week, it is important to realize and assess that all the things you see, do and experience on a day to day life register in your brain somehow, someway. Whether conscious or unconscious, your brain is storing all these things and may need an occasional “time-down” to refocus itself. Nervous breakdowns? Panic attacks? Begin to notice the signs and assess when you need to be aware of your Mental state. Getting enough sleep? Working your mind right? These are the small steps. You are not inferior, you are still worthy, you are still beautiful and you are still important.
If you think you might need a little more assistance than that, or that you may actually have something a little more complex than simply “feeling bad today” but your today becomes everyday, talk to a professional. It is okay. Although talking to a professional about your mental state is still taboo in some cultures, it is a real thing that is destroying people simply because they don’t want others to think poorly of them. Fye on them! They can’t save you, and you can’t save yourself until you address what’s going on inside. I know, I’ve been there.
Do what you have to do for the person who matters the most, you. You’ll love yourself for it. Read more up on Mental Health Awareness Week here.
