Let’s get real about World Mental Health Day

Across the globe, we are talking more about Mental Health, however, many who do not understand real psychological illnesses, jump on the proverbial band wagon of the “Wellness and Mental Health”.

At face value, businesses and governments have made an impact on mental health awareness, allowing days-off and offering in-house wellness. Rather than being guided by a deep understanding of the illness, some are pressurized to do it, a form of social responsibility.

In addition, some cultures still downplay the reality of these illnesses.

The world may have been given the knowledge on mental health awareness, but true wisdom and understanding comes from being open to personal experience.

Mental health is such a broad illness; whether hormone related, neurological, trauma related, the list goes on, mental health issues should not be bunched together as one illness, each aspect needs to be understood in its entirety.

Turn knowledge into wisdom; Take time to understand the neurological functions of the brain, learn from professionals in the field, and from those experiencing the illnesses firsthand.

When we are in the thick of it, those deep dark holes that eat us up from the inside, no amount of informative Instagram posts or “one day off” will get us through.

Have real conversations; We need authentic human connections, a raw vulnerability, to fully understand this illness and know how we can support each other.

 There are various modalities that different people need at different stages of their illnesses; psychiatric, psychological, alternative treatments.

 Have compassion and empathy; Remove the judgement of who should or shouldn’t be taking medication, and what each person needs. Listen to each individual as one size does not fit all.

True compassion and wisdom lies in taking the time to listen and understand what mental health illnesses are really about

Once we fully embrace the depth and impact of these illnesses, it will become a global priority.