For a long time, mental health has been treated as a topic people should avoid. When someone says they are struggling emotionally, the common response is often, “Be strong,” “Pray about it,” or “Stop thinking too much.” While faith, encouragement, and resilience can help, mental health problems are not always solved by simply telling someone to be strong.
In my opinion, one of the biggest problems we face today is not only the increasing number of people struggling with their mental health, but also the way society responds to them.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. When someone breaks a leg, we do not tell them to hide it or pretend that nothing happened. We encourage them to seek medical attention. So why should emotional and psychological struggles be treated differently?
Students, in particular, face enormous pressure. Academic expectations, financial difficulties, family responsibilities, relationship problems, social media pressure, and uncertainty about the future can become overwhelming. Sometimes, a student who appears happy and confident may be silently struggling.
Social media has also changed the way people perceive their lives. Every day, we see people displaying their achievements, expensive lifestyles, relationships, beauty, and seemingly perfect lives online. This can make someone feel as though they are falling behind. We often forget that social media shows us people’s highlights, not their entire reality.
Another serious issue is the stigma surrounding mental health. Some people are afraid to seek professional help because they fear being labelled as “crazy” or weak. Others worry about what their friends, families, or communities will say. This stigma can cause people to suffer in silence and may prevent them from getting the support they need.
We need to change this attitude.
Talking about mental health does not mean encouraging people to dwell on their problems. Rather, it creates an environment where people can speak honestly about what they are experiencing and seek appropriate help. Schools and universities should provide accessible counselling services and create safe spaces where students can discuss their concerns without fear of judgement.
Families also have an important role to play. Sometimes, people do not need a lecture; they simply need someone to listen. Asking a friend or family member, “Are you really okay?” and genuinely listening to the answer can make a difference.
The media, too, has a responsibility. Journalists and content creators should be careful about how they portray depression, anxiety, suicide, and other mental health issues. Instead of sensationalising people’s struggles, the media can use its influence to educate the public, challenge stereotypes, and direct people towards appropriate sources of support.
Most importantly, we must learn that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Speaking to a counsellor, psychologist, doctor, trusted friend, or family member can be an important step towards getting the support a person needs.
Mental health should not only become a topic of conversation when someone reaches a crisis point. We should talk about it before people get to that stage. We should check on our friends, listen without immediately judging, and create communities where asking for help is accepted rather than ridiculed.
At the end of the day, we all have a mind that needs care. Just as we pay attention to our physical health, we must also pay attention to our emotional and psychological well-being.
It is time to stop telling people to simply “be strong” and start asking them what support they need.
Mental health is health. And talking about it should never be something we are ashamed of.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Patience Anaafi
