Close your eyes and imagine a world free of stress, depression, trauma, and pain. The bliss of never having to worry about any problems of any kind is an indescribable feeling seen only in dreams. Dreams that reveal a story about what we want most out of life. Now open your eyes to the reality that mental health is a growing struggle caused by all the things life throws at you. Whether it be through the headaches of antagonizing jobs, economic hurdles, complicated relationships, anxiety-driven situations, disorders, or mood swings—the list goes on. People of all ages deal with their own load of mental health through experience and background, yet not everyone is guaranteed the appropriate help that they deserve. Many don’t have access to that necessity, while others don’t realize the benefits of sorting through issues with licensed medical professionals. These discussions are often avoided for the sake of comfort, but what happens when another discomfort in a much worse form is inevitable until the problem is addressed? Mental health has always been a concern since human beings came into existence, but each day passes with alarms being ignored or left unattended.
Everyone has a different map on where to find the hidden treasure that serves as a guide to maintain one’s sanity. Some learn to focus more on their present selves, while gradually accepting that their past doesn’t need to be changed or erased for them to feel complete. Others discover the beauty in recognizing small ways to improve their lifestyle, such as changing their schedule to work best for themselves, or big leaps like relocating to a new location and career path. It’s all a matter of finding the right professionals to help you help yourself to the point of satisfaction in one’s growth. People need to realize that it’s OK to not be okay, it’s okay to not have all the answers, it’s okay to have mixed feelings on topics others have no issues with, and it’s okay to have these hard discussions because these thoughts and feelings will come out one way or another.
In addition to medical professionals having people in your corner who offer emotional support, taking up healthy hobbies that work best for you, acknowledging improvements, however small, and keeping track of how much you sleep are some of the many factors that can help in maintaining the psychological state of mind. Mental health is a growing conversation that needs more attention because life is getting increasingly harder for people, and the risks can be very overwhelming and dangerous. Closing your eyes will not make it all go away in the same fashion, and ignoring it all won’t either. Society needs to understand that these conversations are essential, the same way physical health is, and creating a more stable environment for people to seek the health they need should be prioritized. People all over the world matter, and so do words, intent, and action. In the words of Robin Williams, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
