Prioritizing Mental Illness as Self-Care

Aside from forever altering our lives, COVID has also reinforced the fragility of our mental health. Life can be unpredictable. The things that happen to us can forever change our circumstances

and outlook. A thin line delineates the preservation of our sanity from the inability to handle and control our emotions. We are all the result of our upbringing and experiences. Often, the more tumultuous our lives have been, the more fragile our mental health tends to be. One event, i.e., the loss of a child or parent, can challenge our mental state in ways we never anticipate. The more educated a person is on mental illness and its symptoms, the more likely they are to seek help.

I firmly believe our society has not done enough to educate people about the signs and symptoms of mental illness. We have also done a poor job normalizing mental illness and seeking treatment. Most mental illness can be managed and treated. For many years the messaging on mental illness has been that those suffering from it were “crazy.” This is a gross mischaracterization of mental illness. In fact, if we are honest, we have all experienced bouts of anxiety or depression at one time or another. These are normal human emotions in response to traumatic or life altering events. Some of us experience situational lapses in our mental health, while for others, it may be lifelong. In either case, there should be no shame. No shame in having mental illness and no shame in seeking help. As a society, we must provide better resources to those in need. We need more mental health professionals, facilities, and public education.

Below are some symptoms of mental illness. If you suffer from these symptoms, please consider speaking to someone. There are mental health care professionals in your community that can help. Please do not suffer in silence. There is no shame in naming your symptoms and seeking help to prevent crisis. Your mental health matters. You matter.

Here’s to your health!

Mental Illness Warning Signs/Symptoms:

Prolonged, Profound Sadness

Increased/Decreased Sleep

Increased/Decreased Eating

Loss of Impulse Control

Racing Thoughts

Thoughts of Wanting to Hurt Someone or Yourself

Loss of Motivation

Loss of Self-Worth