Mental Health Awareness

As May comes to an end, so does Mental Health Awareness Month.

It makes me sad to think that people might stop talking about this just because Mental Health Awareness Month is over, which is why I chose today to write this post. I would like to keep this conversation going even after today, after this month, after this year.

In Case You Didn’t Know –

According to Nami.org, 90% of those who die from suicide suffer from mental illness – suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States – it is the number one leading cause of disability worldwide.

And…

56% of American adults who suffer from mental health disorders do not seek help.

Why?

One word – Stigma.

Stigma is a negative stereotype associated with mental illness.

People are afraid to admit that they suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, etc. because they fear for the judgement that follows.

Mindfulness

However, with mindfulness we can beat the stigma.

According to dictionary.com, mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Basically being aware of your own thoughts as well as the feelings of other people.

If you suffer from mental illness, I implore you to be mindful enough to look to friends, family or physicians for help.

• Don’t be afraid to seek advice. Your true friends, family and especially qualified Doctors will never judge you.

If you know someone who is suffering, I implore you to be mindful enough to ask them how they are doing.

• Pay attention to their symptoms. Sometimes you don’t need words because being there and showing that you care is enough. Sometimes it may be more extreme, and you might need to take action to get them help.

If you know someone who is struggling to help another who is suffering, I implore you to be mindful enough to lend a hand.

• Listen to what they are going through and know that more than just the mentally ill person is affected by mental illness.

Lastly, let this be life-long. Not just one year, one month or one day.

We have to be more mindful of ourselves and others. We must be.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

I ask you: how can you be more mindful with Mental Health Awareness?

Let’s keep the conversation going!