World Mental Health Day
I wrote my first article for the Grimsby Telegraph almost three years ago focusing upon mental illness as a way of learning more about how I felt. Over time I’ve learnt to understand what goes on inside my own head whilst watching my friends and loved ones do the same – however to understand one’s mental health does not always improve your personal situation.
Illness can come in various forms and one of the biggest problems with mental illness is its lack of physicality often allowing it to go unnoticed by yourself and those around you making it difficult to cope.
Another problem is the way mental illness is glorified and represented creating a negative stigma surrounding those who suffer – if the world around you view’s mental illness negatively you will in turn view yourself as a negative. To accept your mental illness in an environment without support is an immensely difficult thing to do.
I’ve watched friends suffer and blossom whilst learning to cope with themselves, not every day is a good day but not every day is a bad day either – fluctuation is normal to a certain extent. I know I’m no psychologist but I like to think I can see reflections of myself within the people around me. I want to see them cherished in a society that is willing to offer positive care.
What we need is a comfortable support system encouraging people suffering to speak out, seek help find advice but without that support it's impossible to feel secure speaking freely about our feelings surrounding our own mental health. I want to live in an environment pumped with positivity and support which can only stem from being more open about our situations. I want to see my friends grow and develop in a world outside of their own heads- no more hiding behind a false sense of wellness. I want to feel comfortable speaking freely about how I feel in situations and know I am going to be supported when I do.
I understand all of my ‘I wants’ seem somewhat unrealistic within our current societal status but they’re by no means impossible. Start by talking, crying, laughing, accepting, and learning how to better yourself and your position – start by trying to understand your mental state and focus on making it a positive one. Step out your own head for a minute and look at the situation, instead of remaining where you are; focus on a form of change. Lots of little changes will result in a huge change – time is precious, don’t spend it always buried in your own thoughts like we all do.
As easy as it is to say all of this, I know first-hand applying change is a huge development, actions will create change, not me writing this.
Immerse yourself in something or someone you love – writing, reading, painting, dancing. Find something you love and allow the passion to promote creativity.
Every day is World Mental Health Day because one day of recognition doesn’t stop suffering. For today and for the rest of our days take time to understand yourself, love yourself and do as much as you can to make yourself happy and healthy – both mentally and physically as both are as important as each other.
Breathe positivity.
(Me in my happy place)
By Mica Rae
