The Mental Block on Mental Health

When it comes to the term “mental health,” many people fail to express it with a straightforward response. Stigmas against mental illness exist all over the world based on various studies across the world it is observed that the majority of people who experience mental illness are in high school or college. It’s not that mental illness goes unnoticed: rather, it is often ignored, usually because it is not always easy to understand. It’s much more common to receive a “get well soon!” card when you have a cold or the flu than if you tell your friends that you are suffering from depression. Lack of support or understanding from friends and family often leads to feelings of isolation and a tendency to steer away from treatment.

Positive support from family and friends can boost confidence in seeking treatment when it is required. However, the fact that 8–15-year-old children who struggle with mental illness and face the fear of being left alone demonstrates that all is not well in the world of mental health.

The prospect of therapy or medication can be intimidating for many people. The good news is that there are a variety of coping strategies that can be pursued on one’s own.

Here are a few that can help: 

–Meditation: The most basic strategy and it can be as simple as closing your eyes and breathing deeply.

–Exercise: Exercising improves both mental and physical health, including improving focus and producing natural pain-relieving endorphins.

–Community: Building your community, simply being in social settings, meeting friends at a party, club, spending happy and quality time can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Regardless of personal experience, it is important for everyone to educate themselves on the nature of the mental illness, the resources are available,  and the support required to lead a happy and healthy life.