“All stress, anxiety, depression, is caused when we ignore who we are, and start living to please others.”

Paulo Coelho, 2014

People often feel more comfortable receiving physical help from physicians rather than mental help from therapists. Many cultures do not value mental health as it makes one seem weak or as an outcast to society for not being “normal.” Fortunately, in the United States, mental health is not deemed to be for people who are insane but rather for those who need people to talk to about their mental status. 

Mental Health Statistics in 2023

An estimated forty thousand citizens of the U.S. die annually from suicide. This stems from the fear of reaching out for help. Six out of ten people with mental illnesses do not seek treatment or medication. The suicide rate would be tremendously lower if mental health were not looked down upon. 

It is important to note that not only is the individual who is fighting with a mental health disease suffering—parents, siblings, pets, etc. are all affected. For those who have grieved over the loss of a loved one due to mental health, most of the time they wish they could have checked up on their loved one.

Symptoms of Mental Health

The only solution to bring the statistics down of families losing their loved ones is to notice symptoms of mental health. 

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking

How to Spread Awareness

One of the most simple techniques to spread awareness of mental health is to educate yourself on the topic. Knowing the topic can grant difficult conversations with others however it is important to remember that it is normal.

That being said, another significant way to spread awareness is to avoid the stigmas of mental health. If you hear anyone addressing that mental health is for weak-minded people – address facts about mental health and its severity. If you know someone who is struggling to open up about their mental health, convince them that it is equal to going to the doctor for a physical exam. 

For others who prefer hands-on/physical activities, research a nearby community event regarding mental health. Join a walk or marathon with friends and family to become more familiar with the spread of mental health. 

Mental Health Resources

Although there are numerous ways to contact a mental health resource – the most difficult part is to face the unjust stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health struggles.

Here is a list of valid resources for battling mental health :

• Contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.
• Guidance Counselors
• Friends/Family
• Emotional Support Dogs/Pets