Understanding The Importance Of Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about seeking help or booking a doctor’s appointment if we had an injury, we were struggling with back pain, or we had a chronic cough or a tight chest. When it comes to our mental health, however, we’re often much more reluctant to reach out. We tend to prioritize physical health, but mental wellbeing is equally important. Here are some of the reasons why it’s crucial to address mental health concerns.
Realizing that help is available
For many, it’s very difficult to talk about mental health openly, even though discussions have become more widespread in society recently. Realizing that help and support are available is one of the main reasons why it’s essential to talk about how you feel. If you take that all-important first step and start talking to a friend or family member, you call a mental health charity, or you make an appointment with your doctor, you can start exploring measures, tools and treatment techniques and therapies that could help you in the future. Never assume that you have to go through difficult times alone or that what you’re feeling is abnormal. You shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed to reach out. You may find that there are many other people, including some who are very close to you, that understand what you’re going through.
Reducing the risk of accidents, incidents and loss of life
Mental health conditions are often mild, but they can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases. There is a very real risk of somebody who has severe symptoms thinking about ending their life or putting themselves in a dangerous situation. It is important that everyone understands the potential implications of mental health disorders. Depression, for example, is not something you can turn on and off or simply shrug off. In the US, accident rates tend to be higher among people with mental health conditions and even though pedestrian fatalities have dropped by nearly 15 percent in Nevada, 70 lives were lost in 2019. Seeking help and opening up can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of accidents and premature loss of life.
Changing the way people perceive mental health
Mental health is often put in a different box to physical health, but the definition of health covers mental, physical and social wellbeing. If people continue to hide away when they experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, and there’s a fear of coming forward and talking about mental health, it becomes more difficult for others to take the plunge and feel more comfortable seeking help. If we all become accustomed to speaking about mental health, we are more compassionate and understanding when we come across those who have experience of mental health disorders and we’re willing to be open-minded and to learn about psychological wellbeing, perceptions will change and evolve. The situation is improving, but there is still a long way to go to remove the stigma attached to mental health. Sharing stories and talking about mental health prevents people in the same boat from feeling isolated, and it can encourage them to seek advice themselves.
Mental health isn’t always a subject people feel comfortable discussing, but addressing psychological concerns is crucial.
