Mental health and the disorders that come with it come in many forms. Some of the most common include depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. However, the issue of mental health is more deep-rooted than that. Post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more fall under the large umbrella that is "Mental Health". Many people disregard or even glorify the meaning of these words. Below the glossed over version some Hollywood movies present to us, mental health is a grave thing. It is something that over 450 million people in the world suffer. It can lead to pain, heartbreak, and sometimes even death.
Mental health is not a good thing. This should be a obvious, clear statement, but much of Western culture romanticizes it. It is one of the most neglected problems we as human beings face. First off, it has much stigma attached to it. If you suffer from mental illnesses, the common conception is that there is something wrong with you as a person, but that is simply not true. Since it affects the mind, it is understandable to an extent, but that type of thinking is still very wrong. More examples include thinking people with mental illnesses will have a harder time working, maintaining relationships, and being socially fit. All of these example are utterly inaccurate.
Secondly, mental health is perceived as a "luxury good", according to Forbes Magazine. For example, if you are someone experiencing depression, you are just a whiny person who wants all their needs satisfied. Or, if you have anxiety, you are just a shy introvert who is too scared to speak up. Again, this is all false.
As the young people of this generation, we have to realize that the future is in our hands. If we want the world we live in to be inclusive and understanding, we have to start being more aware of the things we say and need to start breaking the untrue perceptions around mental health. We need to be there for others. We need to stand together.
Mental Health Hotlines Just In Case
1. Depression and Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (24/7)
The Trevor Project offers support to the LGBTQ young adult community. Both of the hotlines provided offer 24/7 help.
There are also suicide hotlines specific to your area.
2. Eating Disorder Hotline
National Eating Disorder Association: 1-800-931-2237
NEDA offers help to a variety of eating disorders and hopes to "envision a world without eating disorders." NEDA is available Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST).
3. General Crisis
Crisis Text Line: Text SUPPORT to 741-741
The Crisis Text Line extends to everyone. Their goal "...is helping people move from a hot moment to a cool calm, guiding you to create a plan to stay safe and healthy. YOU = our priority." 24/7 help is available.
4. Mental Illness Hotline
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
NAMI provides treatment options and programs. They wish to "raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need." The NAMI hotline is available every Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.