Talking about Mental Health

In this post I would like to discuss something that affects all of us in one way or another. Mental Health! It’s a subject that everyone should be talking about, not be embarrassed or ashamed about. It needs to be talked about! Whether you struggle with a mental illness, someone in your family does, or maybe you personally don’t know someone – it’s all over the news, and on the streets.

Something from the other day tugged at my heart, the man who stole a plane out of Seattle and committed suicide by crashing it into Ketron Island. Listening to the audio between him and the aircraft controller, it wasn’t fake it was a real man struggling and we all heard his last moments alive. Let that sink it. So, many thoughts flooded my mind.

I’ve often talked about raising a child with a mental illness, I’m not ashamed of it and with openly discussing it early in his life I hope he won’t be either. It’s not my son’s fault he was born with a mental illness, he will just need to learn how to live with it. Right now he takes vitamin supplements to help balance his mood and emotions. He does cognitive-behavioral therapy to help teach him cooping skills. We will continue to learn what treatments, tools and skills will help him.

If you’re looking for ways you can help;

Talk about Mental Health/Illness

Let’s stop hiding behind the words, let’s talk about it, the more it’s discussed the less people will be embarrassed or ashamed when the words come out. And the more it will have an impact on people.

Don’t blame them for having the condition

Help them find treatments and cooping skill for it instead. Help them realize it’s not their fault.

Treatments

Health insurance is a huge factor in so many lives especially for ones that need treatment and aren’t able to get it or maybe even can’t figure out how to get it. Sit down with them and figure out how to get them insurance. Maybe health insurance really isn’t an option but ignoring the need for treatment really isn’t. Do research for vitamins and foods that are supposed to help the condition, try essential oils, light therapy, ect.

Therapy

Therapy is so beneficial and can help so many; it’s someone to talk and listen to you, it’s someone to help teach you cooping skills.

Acknowledge

Maybe it’s someone you don’t know personally, but a homeless person on the street. They may be struggling with a mental illness, maybe they just need someone to acknowledge them. Give them a smile, a hug, treat them to lunch sit and talk with them.

Talk to someone

A lot of folks are struggling and you just don’t know it. Be the positive in their life, a simple “Hi, how are you doing?” may lighted their mood and remind them someone is there.

We need to do something about the stigma; first step is to talk about it. I’m here to advocate for my son and anyone else struggling with a mental illness. If you need to chat I am always here, please leave me a comment or email me at contact@lovetabitha.com