Break the Mental Health stigma

Huge respect to all people already seeking psychiatrist help. You are not crazy my friend, in fact, it's a sure sign of your mighty strength, courage, self-awareness and valour. 

Generally, people who experience mental illness simply choose not to seek professional help for a certain stigma attached to it. It's time we talk about seeking mental health openly without any fear.

Sufferers do realize the extent of damage they cause themselves by not seeking professional help and choose to suffer in silence. All this just to avoid being judged or discriminated by their own people, leave apart the rest of the world. Most sufferers have zero awareness about their mental disorders neither they have any help from their families, communities or otherwise. 

Most often, people who consult a counsellor do not suffer from a serious mental disorder or illness. By this I mean symptoms of depression, anger, career choices, trouble with making decisions, end of a romantic relationship, addictions, death or loss of a loved one, interpersonal issues, conflicts at home, work or with friends, parent-child conflicts, divorce, health issues chronic or recent and so much more! They might be trapped in a roller coaster of life that could be quite overwhelming to cope with or handle situations and face changes by themselves. 

And then, there are people who have support in their near and dear ones and know the way out themselves but feel so helpless. Somehow it takes a third person, I hope it's a professional for you to guide you through your tunnel to see the light, there will be light, I promise. 

Some people may think these are everyday issues like a part and parcel of life but believe me you... it can be agonizing for sufferers! It hampers their daily functioning, appetite, sleep and their mood drastically. Such chain reactions can be avoided if we change our perception of  the need for consultation with open arms. 

People die of suicides every day... they fall victim to depression and take on severe routes of ending their lives because of their secret illness. Each loss creates a vacuum that is hard to fill or overcome; be it permanent separation while they move on with themselves or leave for heavenly abode. It's unbelievable and heart-breaking! 

More must be done to encourage those who are trying and struggling to come forward. If we don't act now, the mental health protection gap will only widen rapidly. Generations will be severely affected for multiple reasons; be it their personal experiences or simply lack of right and timely help. 

So, if you know someone who seeks help for their mental health, please be sensitive towards their condition and respond with respect. They do not behave the way they do deliberately. They need your love and professional help. 

The greatest evil on this planet, is not evil..... its ignorance.