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I Think the Ignorance About Mental Health Issues Must End

I think now more then ever society is ridiculed with mental health issues, you just need to turn on the news. It's a shame there's always been such stigma around it. When I was younger the sort of thing didn't cross my mind. People with Mental Health issues were weak minded or crazy in my eyes. It pains me to think I was so unsympathetic but I guess through being ill my mind has opened and I'm a lot more conscious how I treat people or judge them


It can happen to anyone and it did too me and I'm still in the midst of dealing with anxiety, depression and drug problems. I have seen some of the most unlikely and outwardly tough people become seriously unwell due to circumstances/loss and drug use. It seriously doesn't help that with men, it's the sort of "sort it out" attitude or to not allow anyone to see weakness because it's the reason successful suicide attempts by men are so high. I still don't like talking about these things so openly though exposing yourself so much is never a good idea but I think people shouldn't be afraid to seek professional help, I've put it off for so long out of pride, the word professional help always made me cringe but I've had it been used semi maliciously by family before, but I really can't deny I need to speak to someone now
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nacnud · 31-35, M
I agree regarding stigma. I spiralled following the death of my mother in my 20s but was fortunate that in the end my then girlfriend and family made me eventually pick up the phone for bereavement counselling. I resisted for a long time thinking I was ok despite crying below closed doors on almost a daily basis.

Having now gone through it and now in a position where I have a way to move on I encourage you to do speak to someone. Yes there is a lot of stigma and a society view of "man up" but honestly you will feel much better once you get the professional help. Think of it as the wise thing to do. You are being very strong seeking help. A lot of people mock it as they don't believe it will happen to them and when it does won't admit to it.

I can't promise the road ahead will be easy as you go through the help. My biggest issue was people wanted to help me but I wasn't able to be open enough to speak to friends and family. In the long run you will be able to look back and see speaking to people then was the right thing to do.