I hesitated on posting this, but then i realized that is part of the whole problem. So here is what i have to say, and if anyone doesnt like it, then feel free to unfriend me. When someone dies from cancer, we want to raise awareness and we want to find a cure. An end to the horrific disease. When someone dies from drunk driving, we want to raise awareness so that people will stop making the stupid decision to get in a car while intoxicated and potentially hurt or end their or other peoples lives. But what about when someone does from suicide? What do we do then? I have seen many people just sweep these situations under the rug and pretend like nothing major has happened. We accept this as if this is just a normal part of life. I have seen more people pass away from suicide than i have seen people pass away from an illness. Suicide awareness needs to be brought up and heard just as much as any other thing out there. Depression is real, and its alive more than ever. It can happen to anyone. Sometimes it hides behind the smiles that are draped beautifully over our faces, and other times it doesnt have to hide at all. It is no different than liver disease, heart disease or any other disease out there. It affects your entire life and well being, and if not treated it can claim your life. Nobody bats an eye when you go to the dentist to get your teeth checked, or to the doctor to get a yearly physical. So why is it when people go to a psychiatrist to receive mental help there is such a stigma behind it. You are suddenly deemed crazy or weird by society. Your mind is no different than the rest of your body. It also needs to be checked up on. Im not ashamed to say that ive been to a therapist for depression, and i am very thankful that i did reach out for help. But unfortunately because society has made it tabu to get mental help, many people will not get the help they need. You do not know what anyone is really, truly going through, so its not your place to judge them. Mental health barely gets any awareness, yet it is one of the most, if not the top, crucial thing you need to survive. It is a sad world we live in where people feel so alienated, alone or they are in so much pain that they see no other way out. They are too afraid or ashamed to reach out to any of the millions of people on this earth. Nobody should ever go through the bad and dark times alone. Always be kind, whether its your best friend or a stranger passing you by, because you never know what they are thinking or feeling. And sometimes a friendly smile or greeting can save a life.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:05:14 +0000