It has always been around. From Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece times to today, mental health was present. And as time ticks on, we learn more about it. More importantly, we are starting to talk more about it. Yet, we still are not talking about it enough. How can we turn these whispers into voices? Before anyone really understood mental health and how it impacts a person, the stigma was so thick. Many were seen as demonized and left for dead. However, as medicine continued to develop, understanding mental health started to show signs of understanding. Just not far enough yet.
The Beginning
It wasn’t until the 1980’s that mental health was even beginning to be recognized in companies. In schools, it was earlier. Schools started programs back in the 1910’s. Again, in the 1960’s schools focused on mental health, but the heaviest movement was in the 1990’s. So why are will still seeing on average between 100-200 school shootings each year in the US?
Today
I started this blog almost 6 years ago for one main reason – to let people in the world know they are not alone. I don’t know who reads these and I hope it still reaches around the world like it was when I started it. But I wanted to let at least one person know that talking about how you feel is okay. Acknowledging that you are depressed or anxious is okay.
I have heard many times, “the 1st step is acknowledging you have a problem.” Ok. But what is the 2nd step or the 3rd step? How will I know? The only way to move in the right direction for healing is to talk about it. When you are sick, you may go see your doctor and TELL them you are sick. When you get hurt, you TELL someone so you can get care. So why are we keeping quiet when we are depressed?
No one really wants to be a burden or feel like one to their loved ones. So, we tend to keep our feelings inside. Bottle them up until we cannot take it any longer. But by then, it could be too late. Every day the world loses a loved one to suicide. I have a friend that recently lost a dear friend that she was unaware had struggles. She was just in complete shock.
Many people have said, “well if I had known they felt that way, I could have done something.” All because no one talked. No, “hey how are you doing?” And no, “hey, I am not in a good place. I could use a friend right now.” There are too many whispers about mental health and so little talking. We may be acknowledging it more as a society today, but there is so much more we can do. Please reach out to your friends and loved ones. Let someone know they are loved.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
