Back in November, I announced that I had been chosen to be a Each Mind Matters Ambassador and why I was so excited about that (you can read that post HERE). I really want to be able to share facts about mental health, as well as let people know that it’s OK to talk about these things. So many times, people don’t want to tell others that they suffer from depression or anxiety but in reality, one in four American adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. Does that number surprise you?
What if one of those 1 in 4 was your child? By opening up communication with your kids about mental health issues, you’re letting them know that if they do have an issue in the future, they can feel comfortable to come to you & talk to you. There are about 9 million children in the US alone that have serious emotional problems but only 1 in 5 of these kids is actually receiving the treatment that they need! Both kids & adults suffer from a variety of mental health issues, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to post-partum depression to bipolar disorder. My kids are aware that I have suffered from depression and that I have issues with anxiety. I never want them to think that I am embarrassed by it and want them to know they can come to me to talk when they are feeling down.
There are people that believe that just because you have mental health issues, there is nothing you can do about & have to suffer your whole life. But, not only is treatment available, it is possible to fully recover. With support & treatment, between 70 & 90% of people have a significant reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.
Another myth about mental health issues is that people with mental illness are dangerous and should be avoided. Did you know that mental illness accounts for only 3% of all violence committed in the US?
For people living with mental health issues, the stigma & discrimination they face each day, is often harder on them than the actual challenges of their illness. You can help by openly accepting people in your family, work or community who have a mental illness. Let them know that it’s OK to be who they are & that you support them!
Head on over to EachMindMatters.org and pledge to join the movement to help end the stigma associated with mental illness. Let everyone know that “Each Mind Matters”.
Alyssa C says
This was such an inspirational post!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Tara says
Thanks so much, Alyssa!
Silvie Armas says
What an amazing post! I have suffered from depression and anxiety for about 3 years now. Thanks to blogging I’ve gotten comfortable enough to talk about it. I now know that I’m not a weirdo because of what I suffer from. Unfortunately my husband and mom have not gotten used to the idea that I have to see a psychologist. I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks for the post. 🙂
Tara says
Thank you so much! I know, it is hard for people that don’t suffer from these sorts of things to fully “get it”. When I talk to my husband about being anxious, he always asks WHAT am I anxious about. Sometimes, I’m just anxious for no reason! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Amy says
Thank you for sharing. I know I have struggled with a very slight case of depression… And I notice when I have someone in my life who I can talk to about things – it makes it easier to handle.
Tara says
Absolutely, Amy! Having someone who will listen is SO important! Thanks so much for stopping by!
LisaLisa says
Great post with lots of great information. Many people that I know suffer from Mental issues and to see the support they get from their families and community is wonderful. No one should feel that are alone with all the resources out their to assist them. There are great support groups and many medications that will at least help them find comfort. Very Inspiring post!
Tara says
Thanks so much for stopping by, LisaLisa!
Becka says
This is a great post. People don’t see the impact they are making on those who suffer from mental health issues. My brother has bi polar. He can be sad, happy, anxious, angry, or any other emotional state without reason or cause or from one emotional state to the next in minutes. That upsets other people and they think something is wrong with him. There isn’t anything wrong with him. He is a wonderful creative person who cares for others and may be a little unpredictable but never mean or treat people the way they treat him.
Tara says
I love that you can see all the positive in your brother, Becka! Thank you so much for supporting him <3
Dorothy Teel says
I learned a lot from reading your blog about mental illness, I remember years ago that my grandmom was put in hospital cause she had a nervous breakdown and how people thought it was terrible, I also know the mental problems have been hidden from families and others for years because of the stigma of having the diagnosis. I think it is great the people are not afraid to discuss and take measures to help decrease the stigma of having a mental issue. THank you for being a advocate
Tara says
Thank you for your kind words, Dorothy!
Jaime Brown says
We have a lot of mental health issues in my house, my oldest daughter is in psych for the 6th time and the rest of us see counselors and are one many pills to help us even get out of bed in the morning. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing for mental health:)
Tara says
Oh, Jaime <3 Huge hugs to your family! I appreciate your kind words so much!
wendy b says
Awesome post. The stigma is indeed often worse than the symptoms. The difference in people’s eyes when you go from being “normal” to being a person with depression and/or anxiety….is wounding.
Lisa F. says
It seems more and more people have depression and anxiety. Is it due to the way the world is now? Or are people more willing to talk about it and actually try to do something about it? Either way, it’s nice that there are resources available.