This is a different entry
than all others, but I thought it's very important to touch this topic. It's a
very personal sensitive topic, so I'm going to be much more cautious.
It has been a widespread
topic that made almost everyone cringe (generalizing a little) when mentioning
depression, OCD ect.. But truly, what are they?
Although the exact cause of
most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that
many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological,
psychological, and environmental factors -- not personal weakness or a
character defect -- and recovery from a mental illness is not simply a matter
of will and self-discipline, And the DSM V aids in a better psychological
diagnosis.
Unfortunately society doesn't
talk freely about these things, due to the fear of being discriminated, judged
and sometimes even teased, so people tend to deviate more into their bubble and
remain there, because that's the only safe place.
Families tend to be very
helpful if they are included or involved. Of course, not everyone has that
luxury. I for one can relate to that. My own family holds stigma towards any
kind of mental illness, so we all decide to never talk about them, but I had
decided to follow my own path.
Things seemed to get out of
hand especially when I couldn't keep it together during exams, which resulted
in me repeating the year as unfortunately I failed two subjects, and mind you,
it has been one hell of a year. Especially because I'm usually an A student.
Some teachers seem to be very
helpful, and take their job seriously, especially when students are
involved. My biology teacher happened to
be one of these, and he suggested that I should talk to someone. I must admit,
that actually admitting that I needed help proved to be more nerve wrecking
then anything. I always wanted to do things alone and figure things out alone,
but a very strong and loving person that unfortunately isn't here anymore once
told me that 'admitting that you need help is what makes you strong'. And that
is what I did. After reconsidering a million times, and trying to put it off
for months, I finally decided to knock on the door of my school counselor.
Fortunately enough, I did find
help, and not getting too personal (as I'm still working on things, and would
like to keep therapy session confidentiality), I managed to resit for each and
every exam in a different attitude. Of course during our sessions, we
discovered that the panic attacks during exams happen to be the result of many
deeper things (which again I will leave there due to therapy confidentiality).
Besides my school counselor,
I managed to find support from my friends, and family when it came to exams
especially. I pushed it to the utmost limit. Studying non stop and sleeping as
little as 2/3 hours a day. Unfortunately this took a little of a toll
physically, but I made it, and am working harder towards recovery.
My message to you today, is to
please, do speak up, because your opinion is valuable to the world, and whoever
and wherever you are, the world does want to hear you if you give it the
chance. I feel a little hypocritical saying this, because I do hold back a lot,
but I'm working on it.
Due to my family's stigma towards
mental illnesses, I decided to leave them out of the loop, which hopefully will
still help me. But please, if there's anyone out there that feels that needs
help, or know that they need help, please do speak up – to counsellors,
psychologists, spiritual guidance, or even family if you're comfortable. But
never be ashamed of who you are, because I'm sure as hell that anyone that's
reading this, has something to offer to the world.
In conclusion, I would like
to reinforce to always seek professional help if there is the need. There are
many people like me that love to motivate others and provide positive
reinforcement, but I'm no specialist.
So back to the starting
question - are mental illnesses more accepted or not?
Please comment and e-mail me
with your suggestions and anything that you would like to tell me or want me to write about on
seramartina@hotmail.com
Keep well :)
Till next time :)
Sera :)
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