When searching for an NHS definition of ‘mental health/illness’
it appears there is no set description. If my own country’s medical service cannot
define exactly what ’mental health/illness’ is, then how can it be understood and
accepted entirely in society? No wonder there is a stigma attached.
Everyone has mental health; some are gifted with good mental
health, while others experience moods whereby they feel down. For many, feeling
down is common, but they are able to bounce straight back up from it. Others
suffer longer term, causing more significant damage resulting in mental
illness. Sometimes there is no trigger story or real reasoning behind the 'down' period. Depression, bipolar, panic attacks, anxiety, schizophrenia are all
examples of mental health illnesses.
5th February 2015 is the #TimeToChange, a day
whereby taking 5 minutes to talk about mental health is being encouraged, to soften
the awkwardness of talking freely about this sensitive topic and to break down
the stigma wall, with the hope of integrating its acceptance into society.
I personally have grown up surrounded by relatives and
family friends who suffer from mental health issues, most notably my own
mother. I also have friends who at our young adult ages have been diagnosed as
sufferers. I personally have not been diagnosed with a mental health illness,
although during a dark few months of my life, in hindsight, I probably was
suffering with depression, I just didn’t realise at the time. This shows it
affects anyone regardless of age, gender, etc.
1 in 4 people suffer from mental health, so this is a
broader issue than is realised. Yet society; educational institutions,
workplaces, celebrities, politicians, general public, even healthcare institutions,
don’t class it as a genuine illness and discriminate against its sufferers.
Trust me, even within the last year I’ve witnessed the disgusting handing
towards a sufferer within a workplace environment. How is one meant to be able
to look after their own wellbeing if those whose job it is to make sure they
are safe and well at work, cannot even accept the illness?
This is why, I feel that today is an important day to raise
awareness and talk about mental health!! So please take 5 minutes to hold your
own conversation surrounding this topic, and help break down and ultimately eliminate
the stigma!
My hope is that one day there is no stigma, it is accepted
in society just as much as someone suffering with cancer, or a broken leg is
accepted for example. I also hope that procedures are implemented into society
to help those when needed. Whether that’s an extra day off a week to allow
their minds to recover, or just somewhere to escape to for 5 minutes.
Some useful links surrounding this topic are:
…although there are many more out there – just search ‘mental
health’!
Amester x
Amester x
