So it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and although mental health can be a sensitive subject to many, the normality of these discussions is increasing by the day.
With the help of celebrities voicing their battles, TV and Film incorporating it in storylines and just general conversation about mental health, we are starting to see it’s not as uncommon as people thought.
Mental health illnesses can come in many different forms e.g Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and others. This week is all about raising awareness of mental health and even reaching out to anyone who you know is going through a hard time right now.
So many younger people feel confused and distressed as to why they feel a certain way and whether it’s due to depression or anxiety, these are real illness and no one should be suffering alone. It can be terrifying thinking something is wrong with you and many of us are too afraid to speak out or seek help.
If you are worried someone you know might have depression, these are some signs to look out for –
- Lost interest in doing things they normally enjoy
- Seems to be feeling down or hopeless
- Has slower speech and movements or is more fidgety and restless than usual
- Feels tired or doesn’t have much energy
- Is overeating or has lost their appetite
- Is sleeping more than usual or isn’t able to sleep
- Has trouble concentrating on everyday things, such as watching the television or reading the paper
If you feel like you may be dealing with any of these Mental Health Issues it is really important you talk to someone about this, whether it’s a therapist, a teacher or even a family member you feel comfortable talking to. Vocalising how you feel is how you get the help that you need and as hard and scary as it may seem, it’s the first step in getting better.
It’s most important to remember that you are not alone, thousands of people are dealing with mental health illnesses and what you are going through isn’t abnormal, it’s human.
If you want to find out anymore about Mental Health Awareness week, click here-
“Just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it isn’t so” – Lemony Snicket