Every day we see ads for healthier foods. Or maybe we see a new fitness facility opening down the street. There are numerous commercials for new drugs to help with ailments. But we don’t see very many ads or programs about depression. What about abuse, anxiety, and PTSD? Too many people are struggling against mental illness, not knowing how to get help. And on top of all of this, our kids are going through school having to fight against profiling, bullying, discrimination, and school violence. Is there anything that can help us get through?
Ignoring the problem
Mental health continues to carry a stigma in society. Having depression and anxiety is classified as having a disability. But are employers and companies doing enough to help their employees? I understand that not many people want to be around someone that is sad or quiet all of the time. It is an uncomfortable feeling for both people. One that is worried about what others think and if they say something, it will be cast aside and disregarded. The other is worried about what they could say that won’t make things worse, let alone try to understand what they are feeling. Depression, and especially bipolar disorder, can develop anger and hostility within the person and be projected outward. Suddenly, it is “stay away from that one. They are dangerous.”
Getting worse
Mental illness and mental health are becoming the leading cause of mortality in the world. Mental illnesses and mental disorders need to be acknowledged and the person needs to be willing to get help for any care to work. You cannot just simply ignore the issue and hope it goes away. It doesn’t work like that. Mental illnesses have become more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. But for some reason, no one likes to talk about it. Even when our own veterans come home, too little is being done to help them and anyone else that is suffering from PTSD.
The great need for help
When we do make the decision to get help, there are options. The most direct is obtaining help from a professional. Psychologists, therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists are trained in listening, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses. Some offer treatments through medication while others offer therapy sessions and group counseling. And therapy is not just laying on a couch and talking about your parents. No, there are now therapies using music and art to discover the root issue. But we still need more.
Help options for all
Some people, especially those that suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and so many others, use service animals to help them through the day. These animals (not just dogs) are specifically trained in recognizing heart rates, awareness of their handler’s mind and mental state. THESE ARE NOT EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. There are specific training and tasks that the animals must learn and be able to perform to save their handler’s life.
For yourself
When someone is dealing with depression or anxiety, there are more self-care options to help them to get through the events. Meditation and exercise are two really good options. The ability to break free from the mental attachment to the trauma event and be able to focus on something else like breathing techniques or exercise programs, allows us to recenter and take the much-needed breath. Even writing, journaling, and just talking with friends help us get through the day.
Please want it
If you are finding yourself or a loved one that is suffering from depression, panic attacks, anxiety or any other mental health disorder, know that you are not alone. The world may not want to talk about it, but the world is suffering just like you. Every living being brings value to our world. You cannot discover the good without the bad. There is no light without the dark. If you are struggling, please get some help. Society has not caught up to acknowledging the need for more. So, for now, the biggest thing to getting help and getting healthier, is wanting to get help.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
