Mental health is the leading cause of illness and yet it is largely ignored. “Right now in the UK, there are close to 1 million 12-18 year-olds struggling with their mental health.” – (Source: letsalltalkmentalhealth) - mental health doesn’t discriminate and it's the leading cause of ill-health and disability world-wide.
A 'Mental Health' Study
"A study of 2,000 adults found 37 per cent didn't think bad things would ever happen to them, with a third feeling that Covid would simply pass them by. A fifth also assumed they would be able to see and hear without any issues, while another 14 per cent didn't think cancer would ever happen to them. 15 per cent of people didn't think they would have a car accident and 15 per cent, didn't think they would lose their job." (Source: telegraphandarguscouk)
The health study suggests that a significant portion of adults have a sense of invincibility or optimism bias, underestimating the likelihood of negative events happening to them. This can lead to a lack of preparedness for potential risks and a failure to take necessary precautions. It is important to acknowledge the possibility of adverse events and take proactive measures to mitigate them, rather than assuming they won't happen.
Mental Health can affect anyone
Mental health can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. It is essential to prioritise and promote mental health awareness and support those who are struggling with their mental health. Ignoring mental health has a major impact on individuals, families and society as a whole; therefore, it is crucial to address mental health issues with the same importance as you would with your physical health.
Ignoring mental health has devastating consequences
Ignoring mental health can lead to devastating consequences such as depression, anxiety and in some severe cases, suicide. It's crucial we start prioritising mental health just as much as our physical health. There should be more awareness and campaigns to educate people on mental health and how to take care of themselves.
Removing the stigma of mental health
It's time to take responsibility for mental wellbeing and to make mental health a priority. It is important to remove the stigma and encourage people to talk openly about their struggles, without fear of judgment or discrimination.
My mother has very serious and untreated mental health issues so I know all too well how bad it can be. I wasted most of my life trying to ignore my own mental health issues because I didn't want to be anything like my parents.
In Covid, people haven't and still aren't taking mental health seriously, which seems to be causing the majority of the issues moving forward.
For me, I need to continue to focus on my own mental health. It's not possible to help people who don't want to help themselves.
Thanks Randy. Like you, I am honest about mental health issues. It's good to hear others' stories. It shows we're not alone.
Thanks for being open about yours. And while our childhood shapes our adulthood, we can either go through life with our eyes wide open, or choose to ignore what's obvious around mental health.
You and I chose to deal with our mental health, good choice. I hope more people will. I say will and not can because I believe we all can. We just have to want to.
Not many want to, that's the issue here.