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Without frequent discussion of mental health, it becomes an untouchable topic.

May is mental health awareness month, which comes with an added amount of discussion surrounding mental health topics. In recent years, mental health has become more and more destigmatized while becoming an easier topic to talk about. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Changes in mental illness stigma appeared to be largely associated with age and generational shifts.” As our generation becomes the leaders of society, mental health should be a big focus to solve the ever-growing and changing issue. 

According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, “50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24.” In this day and age, the adolescent age group is one of the most susceptible to mental health issues, especially with added stress from technology and education. Anxiety is an issue everyone faces, yet some will experience it worse than others. When anxiety begins to interfere with everyday life and activities, it becomes a problem that needs assistance to solve. There are a variety of anxiety disorders that include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias and social anxiety. For many, simple treatments like destress exercises or changes in routine work. For others, medication or therapy is a better option. It depends on the person and the severity of the disorder. Depression is another common disorder that teens face. Depression affects mood and emotions and similar to anxiety can take on a variety of severity. These can be but are not limited to major depression, persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder and psychosis. Like anxiety, depending on the harshness, treating depression can be done with changes in lifestyle or meds and therapy. 

Anxiety and depression are two common disorders that affect a lot of the population (although there are many more). Depending on the intensity of the disorder, it can lead to serious situations, such as suicide. Those who go through something like this often fear speaking up or feel pressure among others in society. They see no other option to make their situation more positive besides eliminating themselves from said situation. This is why one should never blame someone who died by suicide for their actions. They did not try and find an easy way out of their life, they simply see themselves as a burden and feel the need to make life better for everyone around them, which is never the case. This is why mental health matters. If we can change the way it is talked about and have accessible solutions for everyone, facing the challenges of living with mental health disorders becomes less scary and less of a burden. You should never place blame on those suffering from mental health disorders. Instead, be a support. Listen if they choose to talk. Make sure they feel the opportunity to talk about what they are going through. If you feel that their life is in danger, reach out and get help. This is why mental health is so important, not only during May. Everyone must work together to destigmatize the topic of mental health. 

If you are struggling, reach out. There are resources that are there for you and you should utilize them. Helpline Center: dial 211

Info taken from the National Institution of Mental Health and the National Alliance of Mental Illness