There are many lies that have been perpetuated about mental health that need to be corrected. It’s important for people to realize that a person who has a mental health condition can’t just themselves out of it. These mental health conditions are as real and critical to get treatment for as an open wound or broken bone. It’s also important to note that people can experience mental health needs, like anxiety or depression at any time in their life. Children, teens, young adults, and older adults may all be prone to mental health conditions. No one demographic is immune. The key is to recognize and seek help when you know that something is wrong.
There is No Shame in Seeking Treatment for Your Mental Health
Imagine you were injured and broke a bone. Odds are you wouldn’t simply keep trying to use it. The pain would be too great and the long-term damage unknown. Instead, you would find a qualified medical professional to set the bone and bandage it up. They would give you the tools you need to help it heal. Then why is there still a stigma when it comes to seeking treatment for mental health challenges?
People who get treatment are more likely to stay consistent at work, have better relationships, and they can cope with challenges in life more effectively. Mental health treatment may come in the form of intense therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all three. There is no shame in getting the help and healing you need to live a fuller life. Doctors may use various tests including a bipolar depression test to determine the best ways to approach your mental health needs.
Struggling with Mental Health Doesn’t Make You Weak
This one is especially for men. Many men take longer to get the mental health help they need because they wrongly believe it will make them weak. Addressing mental health needs does not make you weak. Instead, it makes you aware that you are struggling and need help to overcome. The myth that mental health struggles were the sign of weak men and women needs to be laid to rest.
There are times in life when our minds and hearts are wounded and mental health challenges are the evidence. There are times when we experience chemical imbalances that affect mental health as well. Because there are so many differing paths, there are many different approaches that healthcare professionals take with people who experience anxiety, depression, overwhelming fear, and other mental health trials.
Children Have Mental Health Needs Too
There used to be a myth that children could not experience mental health issues. But nowadays, studies show that children as young as 5 years old are prone to experiencing mental health problems. While sometimes these challenges are short-lived and can be treated with minor intervention, others may require intense therapy, medicine, and even behavioral modification.
Children who experience undiagnosed mental health problems are more likely to have sleep issues, experience stomach troubles, and even lack focus. When the right treatments are implemented, children thrive in spite of their mental health conditions. It’s important not to ignore concerning behavior and to give children the mental help they need.
Half of Mental Health Conditions Start When People are 14
This is a hard one to hear, but around half of the adults who experience mental health issues, started them when they were teenagers. This means that many teens are walking around with undiagnosed mental health needs. This can explain why some appear to lack motivation, act out in anger, or even struggle with friendships. This is also seen in the rates of suicide amongst teens ages 10-15. Around the globe, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death for young people in this age range.
It’s important to realize that many teens experience mental health challenges. Sometimes they are the direct result of being bullied or shamed, while others would have arisen no matter the circumstances. Some students may feel anxiety over test taking and getting good grades. Others might experience depression from being lonely or isolated. The most important thing you can do is to validate how a teen is feeling and then give them a healthy outlet to express those emotions and find ways to cope with and manage them. This may require medication or therapy or both, but neither is something to be ashamed of.
