Mental Illness Awareness Week, 2022, will begin on Sunday, October 2 and go until Saturday, October 8. This week allows us the opportunity to recognize and address this serious matter in a way that teaches people about the topic while also inviting and encouraging them to reach out in times of need, be more aware of those around them, and watch for signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in both ourselves and others, in order to seek adequate professional help.
Through my involvement with both the Panguitch Youth Prevention Coalition and Hope Squad Organization, I have had the opportunity to learn an extensive amount of information related to mental health. Despite the plethora of valuable information, one thing that has always stuck out to me is society’s stereotypical ideations that make people feel as if mental health issues are to be ashamed of or hidden — left unshared. However, I truly believe that this mindset is not only so wrong, but also destructive. It is crucial that those who are facing the challenge of a mental health disorder feel as if they can freely talk about and share their experiences as means to receive comfort, and help, especially that of a professional setting.
Hopkins medicine estimates that nearly 26% of Americans ages 18 and older — about 1 in 4 adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder every year. These numbers could potentially, and most likely, include a member of your family, a close friend, or a relative.
Unfortunately, rather than reaching out, we as human beings often hide this from those we love, making it difficult for others to recognize that we may be facing challenges or struggling. Because of this, it is essential that we be kind, be compassionate, be patient, be loving and be a friend.
Improving your mental health can be difficult. Healing is oftentimes a strenuous process — don’t be hard on yourself if you’re not meeting milestones as quickly as you’d like. MedlinePlus explains the importance of starting simple — offering the following advice:
- Practicing gratitude: Being grateful for the good things in life is essential to your everyday living. If you feel discouraged, try making a written list of at least five things you are grateful for each morning. This will help to modify your perspective and allow you a more personal view of everything you have to be grateful for.
- Taking care of your physical health: This doesn’t mean that you need to “hit the gym” five days a week, nor does it imply that you need to try extreme dieting. Taking care of your physical health can mean going on a daily walk or modifying your eating habits, incorporating healthy snacks and meal choices.
- Connecting with others: Humans are naturally social creatures. Find ways to meet new people or even reconnect with old friends.
As Mental Illness Awareness Week arrives, take time to do your research in order to educate yourself on such an important subject while also taking the opportunity to reach out to those you love, ensuring that they know you are there for them.
If you or someone you love is in need of professional support, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988.
– by Hailee Eyre (18) Panguitch/Cedar City
Feature image caption: Mental Health Matters. Courtesy Adobe Stock Photos.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.