You’re probably wondering why there’s an article about mental health awareness on a site like ours. Well, it’s because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s an extremely important topic. Mental health is no joke, just like physical health. We all have our own mental health, which can be either good or affected by a mental health condition. Sometimes, we can even have multiple mental health conditions at the same time, just like having multiple physical health issues. Throughout our lives, we’ll all face mental health issues at some point, whether they’re temporary or chronic.
Now, picture this: You’re going about your day, minding your own business, and you come across someone. Maybe you exchange a few words or share a smile. But little do you know, behind that casual interaction, that person may be battling some intense mental health struggles.
That’s the thing about mental health – you can’t just look at someone and know what they’re going through. Our words and actions have the power to either uplift or break someone’s mental state. A kind word or gesture can lift spirits and improve mental health, while negative interactions, even if unintended, can trigger a range of reactions from anger to panic attacks and even thoughts of suicide.
In this article I’m going to share some practical knowledge and tips on how we can all cultivate positive mental health and create a safer and more understanding world for those fighting mental health issues. I’m not a doctor or mental health professional, but I do have a lot of experience as a result of my own mental health issues. I’m fighting my own battles with depression and anxiety, so this topic really hits close to home. Let’s dive in and tackle it together.
Understanding Mental Health
In simple terms, mental health is all about our emotions, thoughts, and how we navigate life. It influences how we handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions. It’s like the ultimate combo of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Just like our physical health, it’s a crucial part of who we are, and the two are intertwined.
Having good mental health is all about finding your inner balance and feeling comfortable in your own skin. It’s like having a positive mindset, being able to roll with life’s punches, and having healthy relationships with yourself and others. And here’s the thing – it doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time. Good mental health means being able to handle your emotions, whether they’re positive or negative, in a healthy way. For instance, you can feel sad and still have good mental health, as long as you’re dealing with that sadness in a positive manner. But if your sadness lingers for an extended period of time or if you turn to harmful substances to cope, that’s when things might be going off track.
Now, let’s talk about the physical benefits that come with good mental health. First off, it helps lower stress levels, which is a real boost for our hearts, blood pressure, and immune system. Good mental health often results in better sleep, giving our bodies the rest they need to stay on top. It can even give us a burst of energy and motivation, keeping us active and in shape. So, taking care of our mental health isn’t just about the mind – it’s a win-win situation for our bodies too.
However, mental health conditions are a whole different ball game and they’re more common than you might think. They don’t discriminate based on age or gender, hitting millions of people worldwide every single day. Whether you’re a rock star, a CEO, or just an everyday person, mental health problems can knock on anyone’s door. For most people, these struggles are temporary, but for others, they can be long-lasting or even lifelong battles. We’re talking about conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and a whole array of complex stuff.
The origins of mental health issues can vary, but we can at least get the basics down. Sometimes it runs in the family, thanks to genetics doing their thing. Other times, it’s triggered by life events like tough times, losses, or just being constantly stressed out. There can event be wonky chemical imbalances in our brains messing with our moods and emotions. Mental health issues are complex conditions that can hit anyone, regardless of who they are. It’s worth noting that certain medications can mess with our mood, emotions, or even trigger anxiety or depression. So, if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues while on medication, don’t brush it off. Make sure to notify the doctor about what’s going on.
When it comes to physical effects, mental health struggles can have some pretty terrible results. Anxiety, for example, can wreak havoc on our bodies, causing rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and extreme nausea. They usually hit at the absolute worst times, too. Depression, on the other hand, can drain our energy levels, leaving us feeling tired and unmotivated. It can mess with our sleep too, either making us toss and turn all night or leaving us in a constant state of extreme tiredness. Mental health struggles can even weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to getting sick. And, those are only some of the physical effects.
That’s not the absolute worst of it, though. When people hit their breaking point, when the pain becomes unbearable, they might consider the unimaginable, suicide. In Washington State alone, over 1,200 people lose their battle to suicide every single year. That number has been climbing steadily for the past two decades. As we all know, the Seattle music community has lost a few of our greatest musicians to mental health struggles.
Despite mental health issues becoming more openly discussed, there are still plenty of people out there holding onto misguided notions and passing judgments. They cling to outdated stereotypes, labeling those with mental illness as “crazy” and turning a blind eye when their loved ones show signs of distress. Instead of offering a helping hand, they dish out insensitive advice like “just get over it” or some other utterly unhelpful nonsense. Seriously, as if that’s going to solve anything. These misconceptions can seriously mess with our relationships, even if the intentions are good. Friends and family might unintentionally distance themselves from someone struggling with mental health simply because they don’t fully understand or know how to handle it. The resulting isolation and lack of support can turn an already tough situation into something even more unbearable.
Hidden Struggles
Mental health challenges don’t come with flashy signs or obvious physical symptoms that alert others. Nope, they often lurk in the shadows, blending in with the chaos of everyday life. But for those who suffer, it’s a whole different story.
Think about that family member or friend who just can’t seem to get their life together. Maybe they’re constantly battling anxiety, depression, or some other mental condition. The truth is, they might be fighting an entirely unseen battle that they keep hidden from others. But why do people conceal their mental health struggles? Well, there are plenty of reasons. Some fear the judgment and stigma that society might impose upon them. Nobody wants to be labeled as “mentally ill” or “crazy.” Others simply struggle to find the right words or support system to express what they’re feeling.
These struggles often leave lasting marks on people’s lives. Relationships suffer, work or school performance takes a hit, and activities once enjoyed are left behind. It makes it incredibly difficult for them to live a life that others might consider “normal.”
Those of us who hide our struggles have become experts at keeping them hidden. Throughout my own life, I’ve found clever (and sometimes not-so-clever) ways to avoid anxiety triggers. In my professional life, in the past I often found ways to pass of tasks on others. In my personal life, I tend to simply avoid situations where I suspect I’ll experience anxiety. It’s not a fun way to live.
Hiding mental health struggles isn’t a crafty act of deception; it’s pure self-preservation. We’re terrified of judgment, misconceptions, and the potential fallout that might come with revealing our issues. So, if you come across someone in your circle who’s avoiding tasks or situations, hold back on the knee-jerk anger or frustration. Take a moment to truly understand what’s going on. Yeah, they might be avoiding things they simply don’t want to deal with, but there’s also a chance that mental health issues are at play. You just never know. If you manage employees in your professional life and you notice an employee tiptoeing around certain responsibilities, approach the situation calmly, ask if everything is okay. Be mindful of your words, though. You can’t directly pry into their health matters (that’s illegal), but they may choose to share information about their struggles, enabling you to adjust their workload to accommodate them.
So, take a moment to reflect on the people you know. The behaviors that frustrate you might actually be their coping mechanisms, and that friend who always seems happy might be putting on a brave face while silently battling their own mental health issues.
Recognizing the Signs
Now that we’ve covered what mental health is and some of the struggles involved, let’s talk about how to spot some of the signs of mental distress in the people we know. No, you don’t need a PhD in psychology to pull this off. It’s all about being observant and a good listener.
Common Signs
Check out these common signs that someone may be wrestling with their mental well-being:
- Changes in behavior: Have you noticed any changes in their behavior? It could be withdrawing from social activities, experiencing mood swings, or showing a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. These telltale changes might signal a deeper mental struggle.
- Emotional rollercoasters: If you notice emotional changes that are out of character, like prolonged sadness, expressing hopelessness, being irritable, or unleashing extreme anger outbursts, it’s time to lend a supportive hand. These emotions are no joke.
- Physical issues: Mental health issues can have a physical element, too. Watch out for unexplained aches and pains, appetite and sleep alterations, constant fatigue, or the frequent nausea, particularly in social situations.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: When your friend or family member can’t concentrate to save their life, has suddenly become very forgetful, or struggles to make decisions that should be as easy, it could be a sign of deeper mental battles.
- Social withdrawal and isolation: If someone starts avoiding social interactions, frequently canceling plans, or wanting to be alone more often, it’s a clue that their mental well-being might be taking a nosedive.
- Unusual or risky behaviors: Mental health issues can show up in unexpected ways, like compulsive spending, hoarding, addictive behaviors, and yes, even risky behaviors. If you find yourself or someone else taking unnecessary risks or feeling unable to control certain habits, it could be a sign that there’s more going. Pay attention to any addictive patterns or risky behaviors that might be indications of mental health issues.
In my case, I used to get an overwhelming need to buy something, usually something expensive, or I would basically crash. My depression would get bad. Once I got a handle on my depression, those urges went away. I just wish I would have discovered what was going on much earlier. I had lots of cool stuff, but built up some serious debt.
Remember, these signs don’t automatically mean someone is dealing with a mental health condition. They’re just breadcrumbs pointing you in the right direction. By catching these signs, we can at least start a conversation about what they are feeling. Keep in mind, though, if someone has been dealing with mental health issues for an extended months or even years, these signs might be very hard to recognize. Remember, many of us are experts at hiding our symptoms.
Signs of Potential Suicide
Sometimes mental health issues can take a tragic turn, so be aware of signs of potential suicide. Certain behaviors and expressions should raise some serious red flags. Here are some possible signs to keep an eye out for:
- Feelings of hopelessness: When someone starts talking about feeling hopeless or trapped, like they’re stuck in a never-ending nightmare, it’s time to pay attention.
- Talk of death: If death and suicide become regular topics of conversation, it’s not something to brush off as a passing thought. Take it seriously, and don’t hesitate to get help.
- Shedding possessions: Giving away prized possessions can be a strong sign that someone is preparing to take their life. In giving away their prized possessions they are indicating they won’t have any use for them in the future.
- Sudden calmness: It might sound strange, but sudden calmness or a mood shift from extreme despair to apparent contentment can be a warning sign. It might mean they’ve made the decision to end their life and are feeling an odd sense of relief that it will soon be over.
- Isolation and social withdrawal: Isolation and social withdrawal can be red flags. When someone starts canceling plans left and right or avoiding social interactions altogether, it’s time to step in and show you care.
These signs may not reveal someone’s exact intentions, but they are definitely red flags worth paying attention to, especially if you notice several of them. Reach out and encourage them to seek professional help. Remember, it’s better to be wrong about your concerns than to brush them off and regret it later. Your support could be a game-changer for them.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dealing with Others
Our interactions have a big impact, not just on others’ mental health, but on our own too. Whether we’re hanging out in person or interacting online, here are some handy tips to keep in mind. When we choose to have positive and uplifting conversations, it actually boosts our own mood and makes us feel more connected and happier. On the flip side, if we get caught up in negativity and toxic situations, it can totally drag us down, leaving us feeling totally drained and emotionally wiped out. So, keep these simple guidelines in mind when dealing with others:
- Be kind and empathetic: Treat others with respect and compassion, both online and offline. Everyone has their own battles, and a little kindness goes a long way.
- Watch your words: Pay attention to how you talk to others. Instead of being negative or critical, aim for constructive and supportive communication. Being rude accomplishes nothing.
- Listen actively: When someone opens up, give them your full attention and show genuine interest.
- Don’t assume: Ask open-ended questions instead of jumping to conclusions about someone’s mental health. Let them share their experiences if they’re comfortable doing so. Don’t press them if they’re not ready.
- Offer support and resources: If someone expresses their struggles, let them know you’re there for them. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed and provide information about available resources. Again, the next section will have more on this.
- Mind your online interactions: Remember, there are real people behind those screens. Before you hit “send,” think about how your words might impact someone.
Think about it this way: If you were watching a band at a local bar, would you shout at the singer, “You suck”? Hopefully not. So why do some people unleash hurtful comments online? The effect is the same for the person on the receiving end.
No matter where we’re interacting, our words hold weight and can seriously affect others. Keep in mind that real people are behind every business or performance, giving it their all. Even celebrities face the harsh effects of online negativity. Many of them have actually quit social media because of the relentless bullying from regular people.
Online bullying and hate speech can seriously mess with people’s anger and mental health. It’s unsettling to see how many high-profile cases of racism, extremist behavior, and mass shootings have an internet connection. What’s even more disturbing is that the perpetrators don’t just jump straight to the ultra-extreme forums. They start by feeding off the hate that already exists on traditional social media sites. We need to acknowledge that anger problems are mental health issues. The internet has become a breeding ground for conflicts and uncontrolled rage. Nasty comments, cyberbullying, and toxic words only fuel the fire and make anger worse. If you spread negativity online, it’s important to realize that you are part of the problem. To break this cycle of aggression, it’s time for each of us to take responsibility for our own words and actions.
So, what’s the solution? Just be nice. It’s not that hard. We don’t have to share every negative thought that pops into our heads, especially with strangers. Avoid getting caught up in divisive topics on public forums because, let’s face it, you’re unlikely to change anyone’s mind. Don’t waste your energy engaging with online trolls. Their only goal is to suck people into their toxic environment. By responding to them, you’re just giving them what they want.
Now, if you come across some nasty online bullying, harassment, or hate speech targeting someone, don’t just ignore it and keep scrolling. Take a moment to report those comments to the platform’s moderation team. Yeah, sometimes it feels like the moderators aren’t doing much about these situations, but if enough of us file reports, maybe the social media companies will finally wake up.
Don’t make things harder for people. Instead, just treat people the way you would want to be treated. If you find a situation or person bothersome or annoying, unless it directly affects you in a significant way, just let it go. Again, you don’t know what the other person is going through. Listen to and support those who do need help. I’m sure you’d want someone to do the same for you.
Providing Support
When it comes to mental health, lending a hand can make a huge difference in someone’s life. So, how we can be there for those facing mental health challenges?
- Get educated: Start by educating yourself about mental health. Learn about different conditions, symptoms, and where to find help.
- Be a good listener: Sometimes, people just need someone to listen without judging. Be that person—a shoulder to lean on, a safe space to spill their guts. Let them know you’re there to support them and genuinely care about what they’re going through. Listen, but don’t push.
- Validate their experiences: I know, a lot of people think the term “validate” is just psycho mumbo-jumbo. It basically just means that you should let them know that it’s okay for them to feel what they are feeling. Don’t brush off their emotions, fears, or struggles.
- Encourage professional help: While our support is can be helpful, it’s important to know our limits. Encourage people to seek professional help from therapists or counselors. Remind them that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. The resources at the end of this article can help locate mental health professionals in any given area of the country.
Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of mental health professionals in many areas, making it hard for people to get the help they need. All is not lost, though. A primary care physician is likely to be able to provide at least some help, so that’s always an option. - Other resources: Other resources are often available, too. Help them find helplines, support groups, therapy services, or online platforms where they can find additional support.
- Be involved: Don’t give up on them. Keep your social connection alive. Talk, text, or message them regularly. Continue to invite them to participate in activities, even if they often say no. Just knowing that someone cares enough to stay in contact can make all the difference.
Physical activity can be helpful for many mental health conditions, so invite them for a walk, bike ride, or whatever. At the very least, you’ll both get some needed exercise. Regular exercise has really helped with my depression. - Take care of yourself: Supporting others starts with taking care of yourself. Be aware of your own mental condition, set boundaries, and make sure you’re in a good place so you can give your best to others.
Remember, supporting others isn’t about fixing them or having all the answers. It’s about being there, showing that you care, and help to connect them to the right resources.
Take Care of Yourself, too
We’ve talked a lot about other people, but let’s talk about the importance of taking care of yourself.
- Put yourself first: Self-care is not selfish, it’s a must. Do activities that make you happy, relaxed, and recharged. Whether it’s listening or playing music, exercising, or whatever, make self-care a regular part of your life.
- Be self-aware: Keep an eye out for signs of mental health struggles in yourself. A lot of people having issues realize something is wrong, but they often don’t know what. Now that you are aware of some of the symptoms, you will hopefully be able to recognize them in yourself if they ever arise.
- Boundaries are everything: Boundaries help protect your emotional well-being. Know your limits and clearly let others know. Learn to say “no” when you need to, without feeling guilty or second-guessing yourself. Setting boundaries prevents burnout and ensures you have the energy to support others when they need you.
- Seek support for yourself: Just like you’re there for others, remember that you deserve support too. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when you need someone to lean on. Surround yourself with a support network that gets you and lifts you up.
- Kick stress in the face: Stress can mess with your mental health, so it’s important to manage it like a boss. Find stress management techniques that work for you—exercise, deep breathing, meditation, journaling, you name it. Make stress relief a regular part of your routine.
- Limit negativity: Let’s face it. Some people in our lives are emotionally draining. They can be negative, judgmental, and generally unpleasant. The thing you need to realize is that you don’t have to put up with it. It’s okay to tell them how their behavior affects you. If they refuse to change their ways, you may need to make the tough choice to limit your interactions with them. Don’t let the negativity of others drag you down emotionally, too.
Negativity doesn’t just come from other interactions with other people. If you find yourself watching or reading an excessive amount of news coverage, that can have an effect on your mental health, too. - Online boundaries matter, too: Online interactions can be draining, so establish boundaries in the digital world, too. Limit exposure to negative content, take social media breaks when needed, and be mindful of how your own online interactions impact your well-being. Studies have shown that social media consumption can have a seriously negative impact on mental health.
If you have ever been the victim of cyberbullying, you know just how bad it can be. Back in the day, before social media took over our lives, you could get a break from those bullies. The school bell rang, the workday ended, and you could finally escape from their torment. Now, these bullies can invade your life no matter where you are, and even some random stranger online can jump in to cyberbully you after stumbling across one of your posts or comments.
However, you do have an escape route—you can simply steer clear of social media. I get it; it’s easier said than done. But trust me, resisting that morbid curiosity that urges you to take a peek at what they’re saying is worth it. Your peace of mind is way more valuable than giving those bullies any power over your emotions.
And let’s not forget how social media messes with our self-worth. We scroll through perfectly curated feeds, seeing everyone living their best lives, while we’re stuck comparing ourselves and feeling like we’re not good enough. But remember: social media only shows the highlight reel, never the behind-the-scenes struggles and failures. People can’t use filters in real life. They can’t Photoshop out all the bad stuff. That envy-inducing post of your friend’s Euro trip won’t show you the epic meltdown they had in a crowded café in Paris, arguing with their partner about who left the darn passports back at the hotel room.
So, cut yourself some slack. Remember that what you see on those screens isn’t the whole truth. The people you follow are probably feeling the same as you about things they see on their social media feeds.
Remember that you’re human just like everyone else. You’re in charge of your mental well-being. By taking care of yourself, going easy on yourself, and treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and understanding, you’re giving yourself the best shot at maintaining a healthy and balanced mind.
Wrapping It All Up
Dealing with mental health issues can be tough, whether it’s your own battle or someone you care about. If you’ve made it this far into the article, I’m glad you care enough about this topic to read it all. Mental health matters to me, and it should matter to everyone. I hope you’ve gained useful knowledge along the way.
Sadly, mental health problems often go unnoticed. But armed with the knowledge I’ve shared, you can be on the lookout for signs and offer a helping hand.
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own actions. Words carry power, whether they’re written or spoken. And our actions pack a punch too. So, let’s think twice before we act like jerks. Seriously, don’t be a jerk to anyone.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. If you need help, there are resources out there waiting for you. Check with your health insurance, even if you’re on Medicaid, because mental health care is accessible. And if you’re at a loss, reach out to your primary care physician. They might be able to provide medication or a referral.
Make sure the people in your life know that you’re there for them, no matter what challenges they’re facing. Everyone should feel comfortable opening up about their struggles without fear of judgment or being seen as weak. We’re all in this together, fighting our own battles.
Now, you may have noticed that our article authors are usually listed as “Staff.” We’re not trying to be mysterious or anything. Unfortunately, there are some pretty rude people out there. We want to protect our writers and their mental health as this publication works through its early stages. They deserve a safe space to find their voice and share their experiences.
So, take care of yourself, be understanding, and let’s make mental health a topic we can openly discuss.
