When someone is struggling with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, it does not only affect that person; but it affects the whole family and the closest people near you.
43,8 million adults in America experience mental illness in a given year. Nearly 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness and one-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by the age of 24. But why is it still a taboo to talk about these problems? Why aren’t we supposed to talk about an issue that affects so many?
May is mental health month, and we should use this to create awareness and educate about this is important topic. Mental health is a tough topic to talk about , but that is not a good reason to avoid it. It is difficult for the people suffering from mental disorders, and the people close to them. It is hard to see what the person is struggling with and even harder to help them. It is important to keep in mind that mental health is just as important as physical health.
“ Never feel that you are not good enough. In my eyes you are the rock in my life, a beautiful and strong person”.
16 million American adults live with major depression, and 42 million lives with anxiety disorders. This shows us that it is an important issue to focus on, and to be aware of. One of the consequences of someone not getting help and not talking about it is suicide-thoughts and/or even taken their own life. 90 percent of those who die from suicide have an underlying mental illness.
“When you told me you did not want live anymore, the pain and struggle was to overwhelming , that was the first time I understood how much you were suffering”.
Mental illness is not something you are born with or something you cause yourself. It is something you get without knowing how or why. It is something you will never get rid of and something that will control your life. You can work on it, but it will always in some way or another affect your life.
“I am worried over you. I am worried about what you could do. I want to help you, I want you to feel good”
We need to stop looking at people as if they are less worth or “crazy” just because they are a little different than the rest. Mental health can be difficult and frustrating, but it could become a little easier if we all just start to be open and helpful towards each other.
“In my eyes you will always be the best and strongest woman in my life. I can see you struggling and I feel like there is nothing I can do. I would do anything in the world to make you feel better. When you lay in bed for days with an empty look in your eyes, it kills me. Why you? How did this happen and what can we do together to make you feel better? I know you have a battle inside you every day -A battle of emotions and frustration. You want to live, you want to be here but your body and mind does not agree. When you say that we are better off without you, you don´t know what you are talking about. I love you for who you are, and you remind me everyday on how beautiful you are in every way”
Do you or someone you know struggle with mental health issues, or just want someone to talk to, here are some organizations in Santa Barbara that would love to talk to you:
Mental Health Association- Santa Barbara
617 Garden Street – 805-884-0440
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services
300 N. San Antonio Road – 805-681-5220
