Our nation seems to be lacking in public education on mental health topics. Growing up, I personally experienced multiple types of “the unspoken.” My mom even had to come talk to my 3rd grade class about what was going on 🙃
Fast forward to present— I am still experiencing issues with my mental health. Is it better? In some ways. Is it worse? In some ways. Medication can only do so much for an individual, so it’s super important to have a strong support system behind you. Whether your support comes from your family, a friend, your physician, or a stranger in a support group—it’s important.
As I’ve gotten older, I have realized more and more how important focusing on your mental health is. I would strongly argue that your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being.
My mental health provider said something to me at my last appointment that has stuck with me: “It isn’t an illness you’re facing. It isn’t an issue. It isn’t a problem. It’s a disease. You have a mental disease.” The more I think about it, the more I believe that. I find it very unfortunate I hadn’t been told that sooner. When you say mental “illness” it sounds like something that could be treatable. When you say “issue” it sounds like your stability is unwelcome wherever you go. When you say “problem” it sounds like you’re a bad person. But when you say “disease,” that’s when it gets real. A mental disease is not curable. A medication will not cure your anxiety. It will not cure a bipolar disorder. It will not cure depression. It will not cure schizophrenia. Medication is not a cure; it is simply a “helper.” For example, I am on multiple medications to help me live day to day. I don’t have high blood pressure. I don’t have high cholesterol. I don’t have diabetes. I have mental diseases. My medications help me get out of bed, they help me eat, they help me sleep, they help me get to work, they help my anger, they help my sadness, they help my motivation—they help me. Does the help mean I’m cured? Absolutely not. Does the help mean I can eventually stop taking my medication? 110% not. Does the help mean it is simply helping me? Yes, of course. My mental diseases cannot be cured.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disease, please reach out to someone. I beg of you. The quicker you jump on top of it, the sooner you’ll gain semi-control of your emotions. Please don’t be like me and wait until you’re at your last straw. Have I been suicidal before? Yes. Have I self-harmed before? Yes. Have I felt like I didn’t belong? Yes. Have I felt like I was unworthy? Yes. Was any of that controllable? With the state I was in at those times, definitely not. I waited too long. I waited until my family and work friends finally realized something was wrong. I am a pro at hiding my feelings. You’d never think that people always believe you when they say you’re fine, but they do. I want you to do something for me. The next time someone asks you “how are you doing?,” be honest with them. Tell them how you’re really doing. Someone will listen to you. Someone will care. And someone will want to help.
Just remember, your mental disease cannot be cured. You are not a bad person. You are worthy. You are cared for. And you are loved.
SJ
2-22-2021
24 hour hotlines — save these in your contacts or screenshot!
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio:
1-888-628-9454 - Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Mental Health America Hotline: text MHA to 741741
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
- there are many other call and text hotlines, you can search for them on the web. you can always reach out to loved ones, as well.
SJ Talks 