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Let's Talk About It

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

By Crystal .Published 6 years ago 3 min read
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Can we talk about mental health? Yes. Let's talk about it. Isn't it time that we break the stigma about having this conversation? Why is that we are so scared to talk about mental health? It's just as important as our physical well-being. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, etc. The list goes on, yet we don't talk about it. So let's.

Twenty-five percent of the population has suffered or will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. Myself included. If you're lucky enough to not have to experience it, TALK TO PEOPLE WHO DO. Listen to them, offer help and resources, support them, be there for him, and never judge them. Please don't shy away, because just by being there you can save someone's life. Most of the time, there's no real explanation as to why a person suffers from these illnesses...and honestly, the reason doesn't really matter. Take time out of your day to research these mental health issues. Educate yourself and do your best to understand or at least gain a little insight as to what people go through. It can make all the difference in the world.

I’ve struggled with depression. I still struggle with depression. The worst thing about it was the fact that I kept it to myself; I never told anyone; I held it all in. I felt so ashamed about the way I was feeling. I didn’t know how to explain it, so I didn’t. I kept thinking it would go away. It didn’t. It got worse. I became suicidal. I felt so empty and lost; sad and discouraged. I would cry for hours without a reason. I was upset with myself…upset with the world. I didn’t want to be here anymore, there was no point. No future, no hope, no way out. My depression was going to win. But time heals. One day, I typed everything I had been feeling; everything I was going through and sent it to a person I trusted. Hitting that “send” button was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I probably sat there staring at the screen for an hour. However, the moment I pressed it, I felt lighter; I felt free. My mental health couldn’t hold me back anymore. All because I talked about it. Someone out there knew what was happening; someone out there was willing to talk to me about it and support me; someone out there wanted to help me. Because I talked about it. Had I not sent that message, I might not be here. After I sent that first text, I kept talking. I didn’t stop until everything was off my chest. I broke that stigma that I shouldn’t talk about my mind. It was difficult, but the fact that I spoke up and admitted my problem has helped me so much. I know there is someone out there who cares for me and who cares for my mind.

If you're part of the population that does suffer from this, please seek help. Easier said than done, right? It's hard, I know…it's not easy to talk about, I know. Believe me, I know. But the minute you start talking about it, it gets easier. Find someone you trust—a friend, family member, or an anonymous person at a crisis hotline. It's scary and you'll feel like nobody will understand, but talk about it. Sharing your mind shows strength, courage, and that you are not defined by your struggle. It's going to take time; it won't be fixed overnight. But keep talking, keep sharing, keep living your life. Take that first step.

Let's talk about it. Please.

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