It’s the beginning days of 2020 and already people are having their ups and downs. While everyone else is celebrating the brand new year, these people are sad, angry, isolated, detached, and more because they are living with mental illness. For those around them, they could come off as “negative” or a “kill-joy” or a little “off” or “lashing out”, but to those of us who know and love them, we understand that these are only symptoms and not necessarily who these people really are deep down inside. As of 2019 over 44 million American adults (18.07%), have a mental health condition. It takes understanding not to take it personally when the symptoms are displayed and understanding can mean the most.
This year I will pay special attention to mental illness. Personally I struggle with bipolar depression, PTSD, panic anxiety, and disassociation disorder. This has been a struggle for me for years, and therapy with prescription medications has helped me get through life. I isolate myself a lot and sleep through the agony of flashbacks and triggers so that I won’t lash out at others. Will these things go away? Who knows. What I am doing is my best and that’s all anyone can expect from me. I feel for those who have not sought help.
In the United States of America mental health is a huge issue however, many people do not seek help due to feeling too far gone in their illness, fearing losing jobs or family if they do, or not recognizing they have issues. Sometimes they don’t have insurance to cover the help they need or the support needed to be diligent in seeking assistance. Suicide is often a solution in their minds. That’s never an appropriate route to take but without support (in their minds) it seems like the only way to go.
As a community, we need to bring more awareness to mental health issues so that we can keep our family, friends, and community safe. People that can’t understand or relate to the struggles people with mental health issues have no idea just how hard it is and often toss them and their feelings aside. It takes strong people to stick around and help them through kindness, patience, and compassion. I dedicate time to help others who are dealing with these issues despite the fact that I face them, too. Helping others helps me tremendously. I’ve even been doing art therapy creating pieces that are related to health awareness. Ultimately love is the key. Try your best not to give up on your loved ones who are struggling with mental health concerns. Stay tuned for more mental health awareness pieces here at ONTHERISEMAGAZINE.COM.
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