Words of Encouragement During Your Mental Health Journey
Mental health is a huge issue in the UK and around the world with 1 in 4 people in the UK being diagnosed every year. A growth in awareness has meant that those who are suffering have a greater chance in overcoming this obstacle. Awareness of mental health has meant that the stigma towards having a mental health issue has deteriorated, and as a community there is a greater level of confidence that those with mental health issues are more likely to come forward in order to get the help they need. Though this is the case, people who are from ethnic-minority backgrounds are more likely than any other group to be diagnosed with mental disorders, specifically depression and anxiety - since these are the most common. Factors contributing to this include that of unemployment, racism and even poverty whether that is relative or absolute. With that being said, there is still a lot more work needed in raising awareness and improving the prognosis of mental health.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, if not more. It is more likely that a healthy mentality leads to great physical health than the other way around. However, both work well together interchangeably. With this being said, being in control of your mental health is vital, not only for your own personal life experience and health but also for those around us. Though you yourself may be suffering from depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, you will be surprised with how much others could help to impact your life positively.
Though mental health has some genetic basis to its development, the development may also be influenced via environmental factors which influences the way the disorders may manifest. In this case, being in environments of positive energy should be on your list of priorities. If you have depression or any other mental illness, there is a chance that someone in your family has also experienced this. The point is that opening up to someone who has experienced what you are going through will provide you with greater clarity on your mental health journey as well guidance to having a better prognosis. Family are often great in regards to having a support system but are not your only connections; expressing your thoughts and feelings with a friend is also likely to be a healthy way of ensuring a strong support system.
DO NOT feel ashamed. You should never have to feel like you are alone, because you are not, more and more people are learning about mental health problems and more people are searching for help. Despite how dark your days may feel or how insecure or worthless you feel, remember that you are not alone and that in fact, 1 in 4 people are in a similar position to you, may of which find relief from seeking help. Many are experiencing what you are going through. There are people who care about you and want to help whether a friend, professional or family member. It is taken into consideration that everyone’s situation and circumstances are different, and for whatever the reason, you may feel as though you don’t have such connections or are unable to use them efficiently. If this is the case, do not panic as it is protocol that help is offered by the NHS or even private practices if that is your preference. Seeking professional help is also an option. With a diagnosis and intervention, which tends to be in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy, you can start your road to recovery and things may begin to look brighter. Whatever happens, do not get discouraged. Your mental health journey is a process and takes time. As you are in a fragile state, it is important that you are treated with care from those who are offering professional help alongside your additional support system (friends and family). Having patience is key to your recovery, and that is the one factor during your journey that you need to have but only comes from you. Though easy said than done, it is very much possible and YOU CAN DO THIS.
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