Let's Talk About It

How's my mental health today?

Apparently today is the day to talk about it.

I'm curious to see what will transpire today since Bell has promoted this event for several weeks.

It's great that so many prominent people are stepping up to talk about their struggles with depression. While that is vitally important, my hope is that mental illness as a whole is talked about. Disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders also need to be brought out of the closet. Trauma disorders and personality disorders need to be included in the discussion.

It is crucial that the fears and myths about mental illness are exposed and corrected.  I have heard too many people deny their reality because of their fears of being labeled 'crazy'. Stigma must be eliminated. The more these disorders are openly discussed and normalized, the safer it is for people struggling with these challenges to come forward for treatment.

As we promote accurate, correct information and the possibility of recovery we will bring hope to those affected, their friends and families. If we as a society and community learn how to assist, support, and encourage people living with mental illness, we will make it possible for them to participate in community and live meaningful, and most likely productive lives.

I hope we do more than talk today. I would like to see more people taking action to make a difference in someone's life.

Learn to do right; seek justice. 

Defend the oppressed. 

Take up the cause of the fatherless; 

plead the case of the widow.

~ Isaiah 1:17