It is currently May, for anybody that is not aware May is mental health awareness month. Mental health is something we do not talk about enough in schools. It is something we tend to brush over and do not offer enough help for. Most people do not even know how to reach out for help when it comes to their mental health and just suffer silently dealing with the pain that comes with just ‘dealing with it.’
There needs to be a change in the way we address mental health in schools and towards people. When it comes to mental health there is a whole variety of things people endure such as depression, anxiety, ptsd, BPD, anorexia, bulimia, and many other things. Mental health matters because these are not simple little problems we can solve with the snap of our fingers. When it comes to handling these things, we need to be able to show understanding for the way their brain works and how to best meet their needs/ assist them. Whether that be medication, therapy, or other forms of help, they may need.
Like many people I suffer with depression and anxiety and for a long time I did not think I could ask for help, I assumed I was just dramatic or was causing my own problems. When my brain was causing the problem, all I needed was to reach out for help.
In all of this I have determined that if you or one of your friends is suffering with mental health issues do not be afraid to ask them what is wrong, do not be afraid to ask them if they need help or something else and even if you do not know that your friend is suffering still make sure to check on your friends and make sure they know you love and care for them. And if you are that person suffering, please do not be afraid to reach out to a teacher, family member, friend, or anybody willing to listen. You deserve to be happy; you deserve to be loved.
The Harrison Pawprint 