Mental Health Awareness in 2019
Imagine being trapped in a well and the higher you climb, the further away you get from your escape. In other words, there is no way out. You just received a brief glimpse of what it’s like battling depression.
I’m not only an advocate; I’m also a mental health sufferer. After being diagnosed with clinical depression as well as anxiety, I spent time as an outpatient years ago at Ridgeview Mental Health Institution in Atlanta. In my opinion mental illnesses are just as hard to fight as chronic physical conditions.
It was recently Mental Health Awareness Day and lots of people were posting on social media. I want everyone to know that depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders are not just colds that come and go. They are constantly with us. Sometimes they hide but trust me, they are still ready to pounce and nothing anyone else can say including, “Calm down,” “Cheer up,” or “You have to fight this,” will help.
Admitting you battle personal demons or combat addictions does not make you weak. In fact, it demonstrates how truly strong you are. That is why I go to a psychologist and psychiatrist and freely talk about mental health awareness.
Here are some stats from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Justice.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-34
If you have a problem, the first step is admitting it and getting help. Get help before it gets worse. Don’t just do it for you. Do it for your friends and family. You can learn about your triggers and strategies for controlling and battling them.
You only live once … make sure you do it with a healthy body AND a healthy mind.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy
Read more about my experience with mental health here.