World Mental Health Day

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day. The theme this year is Mental Healthcare for all: Let’s Make It A Reality.

COVID-19

The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many and caused lots of mental health issues. In the United States, we have had quite a few mass shootings lately, people going a little crazy, and suicides. Mental illness is a cause we should all get behind and educate people about letting them know there are services available to help them during this time. We have online counselling, in-person counselling, and even telephone hotlines.

Mental Illness Unseen

Mental illness can’t be seen by looking at a person but know that everyone is fighting their own internal battles.

The subject of mental health has been an issue in my personal life for many years. Many years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) stemming from childhood trauma. Depression has been an issue in various members of my family even myself.

One of my dear friends has been diagnosed with Bi-polar Depression ever since I first met them. My friend knew to get help and I am proud of them.

Anxiety is a form of mental health. Since 2019, I’ve been treated for anxiety issues by a psychologist. My anxiety story begins when my father called me to let me know he had come home from offshore to find his wife (step to me) dead on the porch. Apparently, she had been there for a few days. When I arrived, the body had not been covered and it took a while before her body was moved from the porch. The coroner was busy politicking in the yard (another story). I helped my dad locate some of her important items. One peculiar thing was her cell phone. The battery was found under a book in the bedroom, the charger on the porch on top of a blanket, and the phone under a cat bowl on the porch.

Before finding the items, I asked the coroner for gloves and started searching the bedding to which had blood in it. Things were out of place and clumps of hair were everywhere. The Coroner ruled it natural causes so no investigation was done. Anyhow, after seeing the body and the other things it made me anxious. Plus dealing with the health problems I’ve had since 2016. For some reason, her passing brought on the anxiety to the point of needing medication. I have my psychiatrist I talk to and he prescribed me Zoloft which we meet every 3 to 6 months or when I need to talk.

Asking for Help is Not Weak

The stigma of mental health being something to be ashamed of stems from how those needing help have been treated in centuries past. However, today with the science behind it, seeking help for mental issues is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength. Asking for help means you want to get better.