The Repetition of Mental Illness

It’s an epidemic that’s silently reaching all corners of the world—mental illness. Mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing, and it’s far too often overlooked or avoided. A person’s mental health isn’t something that can be seen, and because of this, its presence is all too easily underestimated.

Mental illness can be defined as: “A broad range of psychological disorders that affect mood, thinking and behavior.” This definition comes from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an American organization dedicated to mental health advocacy. It’s vital to note that though mental illness can’t be seen, it’s real and devastating for those who suffer from it.

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans will suffer from mental illness in any given year. This statistic can be broken down even further to individual states and even ZIP codes. Mental illness affects every demographic and exists in places where you would least expect it. Unfortunately, there is still a large stigma attached to mental illness that keeps many people from seeking help.

There are numerous varieties and severities of mental illness, all of which need to be taken seriously. These illnesses include: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Each of these can take a major toll on a person’s overall wellbeing and can interfere with day-to-day life in various ways.

The good news is that there are many different treatment options for mental illness. Often times, mental illness can be managed through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support from family and friends.

It’s also important to recognize the role that society plays in combating mental illness. Unfortunately, there’s still a major stigma attached to mental health issues that prevents many people from speaking out. The more we educate ourselves on mental health, the more we need to discuss mental illness in an open and understanding manner.

Mental illness isn’t something that a person can just “get over” or “snap out of” and it’s important to be aware of this fact. Mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness or laziness—it’s a serious medical condition that needs to be taken seriously.

Mental illness is a growing problem that puts its footprint on our society from early childhood through adulthood. It’s time to make mental illness a priority and to put measures in place that can help those who are struggling with mental health issues. This could mean creating a kinder, more understanding society, providing mental health services in schools, or creating more mental health resources for those in need.

For too long, we have been afraid to talk about mental illness and what it means to those who live with it. Break the silence and be a part of the solution. Taking the steps to understand mental illness is the first step towards helping those in need. Through appropriate education and resources, we can begin to take steps towards reversing this epidemic and helping those affected live healthier and more fulfilling lives.