It seems normal for us to talk about various diets and exercise routines, but when it comes to our own mental health, we often choose to simply avoid the subject. We’ve decided to address this situation properly and treat it as a serious matter, exactly as it is.
If, for example, you have a flu, or you’ve broken your hand or even suffer from cancer, you will obviously seek medical care. Any normal person will tell you to go visit the doctor in these circumstances. However, when it comes to issues such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolarity and other disorders, we tend to feel embarrassed – and we don’t feel like talking to anyone about it. Often times, if we find out that a friend suffers from these kind of issues, we don’t really know how to react.
Unfortunately, the reality is that many people suffer from a mental or behavioral disorder, and it’s very important to understand this does not make them “crazy”. Most likely, each of us knows at least one person suffering from depression, even if he or she does not realize this – or whether they simply refuse to talk about it.
First of all, you have to understand that such a disorder does not make you a freak – it is a disease like any other, with the difference that it affects the brain, and not the stomach, the liver or the lungs. And, just like with any other conditions, there are different ways to treat it. But, until then, you have to be completely sure what the right diagnosis is, so you know how to go about dealing with it. Sure, you can search for information on the Internet, but it is best to visit a doctor for a correct diagnosis. He can also provide you with the right treatment. Not all treatments will work on anyone, so you need to speak to someone who has expertise in the field.
We also recommend discussing this with your friends or family. Sometimes, we feel terrible, we are irritable and extremely stressed, and everything seems too overwhelming — but then we find out that a buddy is going through the same thing. Openly talking about it can greatly help both of us, because realizing that we are not the only ones in this situation often makes us feel better. In addition, friends and family can help you improve your mood.
Obviously, this does not work in all cases. Each person is different, each brain is different, and accordingly, and so is each disease. But never hold it inside of you, don’t hide it, and do not feel ashamed to talk to the people close to you about it.
Meditation works wonders for a lot of people, while others will feel much better after spending a weekend on the top of the mountains, or in another city, far from home. Others, on the other hand, will benefit from adopting a healthier diet. In various cases, medication can work extremely well.
The most important thing to learn is to communicate openly about your mental state. If you break a leg down the stairs, you wouldn’t act as if nothing happened and wouldn’t be ashamed to go to the doctor, would you? Then why should you be embarrassed to talk openly about depression or anxiety, which are some of the most common mental disorders?
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