Mental Health Awareness Week
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As Mental Health Awareness Week is in full swing, we thought that here at b**p we should create a whole list of reasons as to why mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. We’ve been supporting mental health awareness for a long time now, and this week is the perfect week to keep up our support.
Mental health is literally brain chemistry
It’s pretty stupid that people are taught to feel ashamed of their mental health, seeing as it’s literally brain chemistry and functions. I mean, when was the last time you felt ashamed for feeling thirsty? It’s a bodily function. And so is mental health.
Some people have a completely different make-up to others, and that is absolutely nothing to feel worthless about. We promise.
Mental health makes you who you are
One of the most common things those suffering from mental illness tell their friends and family is “I’m still the same person”. Why is that? Because mental health makes us who we are. It doesn’t define us by any means, but it gives us the characteristics and the viewpoints that shape our actions and our beliefs.
So those who love someone who is mentally ill also love ‘the you’ with the illness. And you should never be ashamed to tell someone who loves you that you’re mentally ill, because it is part of the person they love.
Mental health is exactly like physical health
It’s an old chestnut, yes, but mental health is the equal to physical health. When we’re injured, we get help. When we’re tired, we sleep. When we can’t breathe, we get an oxygen mask. And mental health should be the same. If you’re depressed, anxious or bipolar (or have any other condition) you need help. And you should never feel ashamed of that.
While we’ve talked a lot about not feeling ashamed, we should also mention that you should never make someone else feel ashamed of their mental health. As friends and family who care a lot, we should continue to love and understand those around us. That’s all we can do, and it’s exactly what we’d do if a loved one was hospitalised due to a broken ankle. Isn’t it?
If you’d like to talk to someone about your mental health, the numbers below will be very helpful for you.
— Samaritans (free, 24 hours) – 116 123
— Childline (free, 24 hours, under 18) – 0800 1111