We all appear shocked when we hear of someone in the public eye who has taken their life due to a mental health issue. What is even harder and more shocking is when the individual is a close friend or relative. Think back and I would imagine that we can each find not one, but several losses we have experienced due to an individual being overcome by their personal demons. What is sadder, is many of us never knew that these individuals were suffering and carrying such personal torment.
The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and you might ask, why introduce the topic of mental health with such a dire description of events. My answer would be that we still live in a society where those in need of services often shun seeking those services due to the stigma attached to mental illness. While we have a tendency to keep our health issues fairly private, we do not hesitate to seek medical advice when we are experiencing a condition meriting a physician’s attention. Whereas an individual suffering from a mental health crisis may avoid seeking professional help simply due to the way society views individuals suffering from anxiety, depression or any of the myriad symptoms of mental illness. While we have come a long way in reducing the stigma of mental health issues, and have developed more treatment options, we still have a need for educating and advocating for mental health.
During this National Mental Health Awareness Month, please take time to be better informed regarding mental health issues and treatments. Our Indian Prairie Library will have resources you can examine, or you can contact NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) with local offices here in DuPage County for more comprehensive information. Remember, the information you gather may help you in identifying the needs of a relative or friend who is in need of help; your intervention may be what they need to seek professional treatment. Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers fame summed it up nicely by saying, "There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth."; Mental Health treatment can help an individual through a difficult time in their life, and in the end lead to a better quality of life.
Mental Health issues are more common than any of us realize; let’s all play a role in helping someone, before it is too late to intervene.