Why Don't We Talk About Mental Health?

So, I’m curious... maybe I’m missing something, but I definitely feel like older generations still refuse to believe that it is okay to seek professional mental help. It’s almost like they rather live in pain than succumb to opening up about their trauma to a trained professional. I see people rant on Facebook, go off in public and make poor decisions in regards to their mental health, but what I don’t see enough people do is seek legitimate help.

Growing up, I suffered from depression and extreme forms of anxiety that still to this day don’t exactly make sense to me. I had a great life for the most part, but some things in my personal life were just hard for lack of a better word. Some things in my life tore me apart and there never seemed like a healthy way to talk about my problems, so they ate at me and consumed me. I remember my first anxiety attack at eight years old. I was pretty young the first time I cut myself. I still remember what drove me to make that decision, but until this very moment, it’s nothing I’ve ever publicized. However, I’m ready to talk. I hope you are too!

When I was in college, I started again and everything I was going through seemed to be weighing down on my spirit. I was a mess in all aspects of my life, and I finally started to see the school counselor on a weekly basis. At first, it was mandated by my universality that I go to counseling, but I realized how relieving it was to have an unbiased listener; somebody who wasn’t quick to openly pass judgment and somebody who wasn’t constantly comparing everything I said to their own life. She just let me talk, and I needed that. Honestly, she didn’t even give me advice. She would send me away with techniques to help overcome the emotions that were hurting me so deeply. I began doing a lot more journaling and began recognizing my triggers.

Since then, I’ve put in a lot of work to conquer I my mental health. I’ve seen doctors. I’ve gotten medicines prescribed. I write. I make art. I talk freely to people in my life. I work out. I pray. I meditate. I practice mindfulness and being good to people. I’m a different person that I was years ago and I’m proud about that. I worked hard to get to this place where I could forgive and allow myself to really grow without being angry, spiteful or harmful to others.
However, the last 6-7 months have really taken me for a loop and I feel myself slipping. I fee myself slipping back into anger and hate, and although people keep telling me that my feelings are valid, I don’t like them. I’ve been sad and have felt really powerless when I should be feeling powerful. It just hasn’t been easy.

Basically, I think my point is that it’s okay to seek help. I need it. Many of us do and there’s nothing to be ashamed about. It’s better to seek help and to heal than keep all of those wild emotions inside and let them take over your life. Take it from somebody who has been there and is there... I’m here for you and I support you doing what’s best for your mental health.


I Love You,
Née

Need some assistance? Here are a few resources that have helped me or somebody I know:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
2. Head Space App
3. Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
4. Mental Health America