Mental well-being is often put on the back burner when talking about health. A big reason for this is because of the shame felt by those who are experiencing mental illness. I know this first hand because my mother struggled for many years to hide hers. Over the many years after her diagnosis, I came to understand how difficult it is for a person to reach a state of acceptance which opens the door to seeking help.
The first step to fix something is to admit that something is wrong. Far too often when we're asked "how are you doing" people will almost automatically say "OK". We have been so condition to just respond like a rehearsed script, even when we're really not OK.
If you had a fall and injured your leg, you wouldn't think twice about going to a doctor to make sure nothing is broken. Why would you neglect your emotional well being, telling yourself you just have to deal with it or even worse ignore it? Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and it's "OK to say you're not OK.
Know that you are not alone. According to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Blog on Mental Health Statistics for 2024, 57.8 million adults live with some form of mental illness. We have to be willing to have open conversations in spaces that foster acceptance and positivity. Read more about "Overcoming the stigma of mental illness".
If you need someone to talk to...there is 24/7 help. Dial 988 Lifeline. Begin the process of healing.
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