From a worldwide study in 2017, “ ...this study estimates that 792 million people lived with a mental health disorder. This is slightly more than one in ten people globally (10.7%),” (OurWorldinData.Org 2017). Mental illness, and mental health disorders, are much more common than people may even realize. As a society, we should be collectively working to end the stigma around individuals struggling with mental health. We can do this by talking openly, and without judgment, about mental health. By creating this conversation, we are furthering the idea of the topic being normalized. Additionally, we can continue to educate ourselves and others, be conscious of our own language and empower individuals struggling with their own mental health.
Types of Mental Health Issues
There is a very large variety of diagnosable mental health issues that include, but aren’t limited to:
Anxiety disorders
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Phobias
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Other mood disorders
Eating disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, etc)
Personality disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia
( list courtesy of https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html )
How Can You Help Others?
Most importantly, there needs to be an open conversation about mental health; let the person know that they are not alone in their struggles. It is important to be completely judgment-free, and ask what you can do as an individual to help. Sometimes it is just as simple as sitting down and listening that can really make a person feel better, but if not, give advice only if warranted. There are many outside factors that can affect a person’s mental health, so it may be beneficial to go about identifying those factors to see how you could possibly help lessen some of those burdens.
Treatment
Oftentimes, mental health struggles can get too intense to deal with on your own, and there is absolutely no shame in receiving treatment. Whether it be through therapy, support groups, inpatient and outpatient facilities, or medication, there is an option out there for you no matter what. For urgent matters, there are also hotlines you may contact for immediate help. You should never be ashamed of admitting you need help; all you need is to get to be the best version of yourself
Resources
Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
Health Resources and Services Administration: “The HRSA works to improve access to health care. The HRSA website has information on finding affordable healthcare, including health centers that offer care on a sliding fee scale”
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): “CMS has information on its website about benefits and eligibility for mental health programs and how to enroll.”
Additionally, there are many many more resources at the click of a finger all over the internet!
Research Coordinator - Kelsey Sticher
Illustrations - Shaina Rahman
Graphics - Hafsa Gaballa
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