Mental illnesses still has such stigma surrounding them. This is due to lack of education and understanding. People often fear what they don’t understand, and what is scarier than something you cannot often physically see? Mental illnesses can manifest in physical ways, but often they are physically invisible. Now more than ever, with the effects of COVID and the resulting restrictions, people have been affected by mental illnesses. Rather than once being thought of as “mind over matter,” mental illnesses cannot be cured by ‘thinking yourself better.’ Like any physical illness, mental illnesses require medical treatment, forms of therapy, and a support network. Symptoms may range from feeling sadder than normal, to thoughts and acts of suicide. Mental illness is something to be taken very seriously; education is needed, compassion is needed, and support is needed. The last year and a half have had drastic effects on many people’s psyche. We must remember that we cannot walk in another’s shoes, and none of us have experienced the same hardships; but we all have our own versions of traumatic experiences. We must be supportive of one another, hold space for our loved ones and listen. A little empathy goes a long way. You don’t need to know how someone feels or what they are going through to support them. Spread love, you never know when you will need it in return.
To participate in Mental Health Awareness Week, check out the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.