September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day - a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness and to focus on efforts on directing treatment to those who need it the most.
In 2019, the unthinkable happened. We lost an athlete and friend to suicide. Words can't describe the sadness that we felt when we heard he took his own life. We miss him dearly.
Mental health is extremely important to me. Growing up, I always felt like my mind functioned a bit different than other people. But my mental health became more of an issue when my dad passed away just 3-days before my 32nd birthday (2014) after a 10-month battle with cancer. While I continue to learn how to navigate life without my dad, life still has it's obstacles, struggles and setbacks - all of which affect my emotional well-being.
Unfortunately, because of the stigma of a mental illness, it's a silent struggle that many of us share in common. Some of the harmful effects of stigma include:
- Not seeking help or treatment
- Self-doubt, weakness, shame
- Isolation - uncomfortable expressing emotions/thoughts
- Equating yourself with your illness
- Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers
- Bullying
- Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover mental illness treatment
We are taught not to judge individuals with conditions like cancer, lupus, heart disease and so much more. As it relates to physical conditions, people are surrounded by love, support and care. Each person with a physical illness is encouraged and often provided the support and means to live a full life despite a physical illness.
But what about PTSD, addiction, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder? When it comes to mental health illnesses, there's a fear of being understood. Your job status could be compromised and you may not be able to afford quality mental health care.
There's no way to tell what someone is going through. Social media is constantly showing us the highlight reels - making the lives of others look exciting, perfect or amazing. This can cause comparison - which is the thief of joy. Many people who are anxious or depressed don't "look" anxious or depressed because we are all taught to carry on the best we can, given the circumstances. Like body image struggles, there is no one "image" as to what a mental illness should look like. More so, mental illnesses are often regarded as socially unacceptable - thus the stigma associated with conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. Just because someone doesn't have any outward signs of a mental illness or doesn't fit into a "box" of symptoms, this doesn't make it any less serious or real. Someone may not "look" like he/she is struggling but it doesn't mean that this person is ok.
Life is not easy. Sometimes it's fun and exciting but often it is messy.
But it's worth sticking around for. Let's make sure that everyone has an opportunity to live life to the fullest.
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-8255