There are many people who are in denial, in the dark, and some simply ignorant to the fact that they or someone they love are suffering with mental illness. The stigma behind the disease carries such a negative connotation that hiding is easier than seeking help. From depression and anxiety, hoarding, and OCD to bipolar disorder, there are various issues that every day people are suffering from. The issue may be mild or severe, yet many are uneducated about the fact that they do indeed, have a mental illness, nonetheless.
Today is Sunday, May 1, 2022, and the kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is extremely important to me because of my personal struggle with anxiety and depression. Just a little over three years ago, my mental illness had me in such a dark place that I attempted to take my life. This life altering experience has opened my eyes to depression, the signs, mental illness as a whole and the importance of routinely maintaining my mental health. As a part of mental health maintenance, I felt the need…the desire…the calling to share my story in order to save the life of another.
Prior to my stay in Sheppard Pratt, I was unaware that certain conditions were a mental illness. This was my rock bottom; however, it was also my turning point…the beginning of my healing…my first steps to a new, greater, and better me. That experience made me who I am today. It has allowed me to find my purpose…to save others through my suffering…to be able to find their light in midst of the darkness. This is something that I did not have, and if I did, my life would have been different. I simply want to save others who want to give up on life.
With there being such a vast variety of mental illnesses, and so many of them being common, many people fail to realize that they are actually mental illnesses. Actually, many of those who stigmatize others suffer from mental illness themselves. Studies show that one out of five people suffer from some type of mental illness. Addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, hoarding, borderline personality disorder, depression, all eating disorders (including overeating), OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia to name a few. Some of the illnesses have similar symptoms yet they all result in STIGMA. Throughout my process, I have learned that no one wants to be labeled, and everyone wants to be perfect. Meanwhile, fewer people are receiving care, and as a result, more people, especially our youth, are losing their lives to suicide.
On this first day of May, we are kicking the month off with the disease of ADDICTION.
Many are unaware that ADDICTION is considered a mental illness because it changes the brain in major ways. Addiction disturbs the person’s ability to focus and prioritize their needs. This causes a merry go round effect; trying to figure out if the mental health issue caused the addiction or the addiction caused the mental health problem. Think about it. If people find it hard to believe that addiction is a disease, will they come to terms that it is a mental illness? No wonder fewer people receive treatment. We have to stop judging and start helping in order to start healing…mind, body, and spirit.
Do you know someone suffering from addiction? Is it you? Let’s tackle the mind first. Mental Health is key. God speaks to us in Corinthians I 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. In order to overcome anything, we must first accept it head on. Let’s face it together, and help one another. If we keep God by our side, and accept our imperfections, and love one another for who we are, we can reach mental wellness, become better, and stop dying, trying to be perfect.
Dying to be Perfect 