Mental Health is Health

Mental health is health.

Depression, anxiety, etc. do not discriminate. Social media and the news promote the idea of “wellness” and tell us to practice self care. Self care is not just a pedicure or a massage. The best self-care is advocating for your own health needs.

Mental health is a huge part of self care.

It’s not always a fun part. In fact, it’s downright terrifying. We talk about physical health all the time and how important it is to eat well and exercise to take care of our bodies, but we never talk about taking care of our brains. There’s a lot of shame around mental health issues and nobody wants to feel or to be told that you’re crazy. It can also be really scary when you’re in a dark place to reach out and ask for help. But you should.

You and your health matter.

I struggle from time to time with mental health issues and I have for 25 years. I don’t really talk about it and I certainly don’t post on FB about it, but today, after reading this story I feel like sharing can actually help other people. So many people are struggling and they don’t know how to feel better.

We need to normalize talking about our mental health and treating it like any other health condition. There is no shame in taking care of one’s brain the same way we take care of the rest of our bodies. Shame only exists in darkness and the more we talk about this issue the more that darkness turns to light.

A lot of people struggle silently because mental health is a topic that we don’t talk about openly. Even if you have insurance, the mental health system in this country is insufficient, but there IS help. Therapy and medication can not only change your life but they can save it. You are someone worth taking care of.

You do not have to feel like Will West. There are other options. Call your doctor. Get a referral for resources like therapy and medication. Help is out there.

Mental health is health and you deserve to be healthy.

A Young Doctor’s Final Words:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/03/will-west-doctor-gwu-suicide-note-mental-health/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGm2cRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX30OO-sJa-lY4MTfKxdddO9SjQuLt0Hyojl-h0gCLUUqg1lhsERx7rcoA_aem_14L7UtffwfiNdK8VqztMFQ