Mental Health

The month of May is known as the Mental Awareness month, so this post may be coming a bit late. Usually, as humans when we have health issues, it tends to be easy to notice but herein lies the problem with mental health. In some cases, it is easy to notice and in others, by time it is noticed it is too late. Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of people yet very few show it and even fewer work up the nerve to talk about it due to the stigma associated with it. You would think that in the 21^st century, people would be able to discuss mental health just as easily as we discuss malaria. 1 in every 6 (17%) adults experience a common mental health problem. Common mental health problems range from anxiety to depression to stress. So one would wonder why there is still a stigma to coming out. As a young child, growing up and even well into my 20’s, I had to deal with depression and turned to songs from musicians like Eminem and Linkin Park. These guys gave me music as a form of escape from dealing with my issues, so imagine my shock and sadness when I learnt that Chester Bennington (the lead singer of Linkin Park, the guy whose songs helped me escape from my issues) committed suicide or when news broke that Robin Williams, the world famous comedian committed suicide. I had so many questions! If these guys helped others through their works, what happened to them? How did we fail them?

I remember listening to a brilliant song by Logic titled 1-800-273-8255 (which is also the phone number for the American National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and how it resonated with me. The song talks through the process of a person deciding to end their life as they felt they didn’t belong and nobody cared about them and ends with the person saying they just want to live. While there isn’t a one-size fits all answer, what I can say is whenever you are faced with mental health issues, do not keep it to yourself. Find a confidant and open up to him/her; one of the best things in life is having a support system, knowing there’s always someone in your corner (even boxers have someone in their corner). Turn to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and open up to Him. Heb. 4:15 says we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses. Whatever it is, be it depression, stress, anxiety or any other issue, turn to Jesus and He will help you (if you read the next verse (Heb. 4:16) that’s literally what He says). He has definitely helped me in my mental health journey and I can say I am doing much better now than I was 5 years ago and even a year ago. Does it mean I won’t still struggle with it? No! But it means that when I do, I remember Jer. 29:11; I also know to turn to Jesus and He will be there to help me fight it. 
Life is precious and even though it may not seem obvious at that point in time, your life means a lot to someone. As we go into this week-while I can’t call it a charge-make it a point to check in on people, say hello to them, ask how life is treating them. You just may save a life with that one call, at the very least, you’ll make someone happy.

P.S.

If you feel alone, remind yourself that joy comes in the morning, the sun will always come out and your life is extremely important to someone.

Here are some bible verses to also help you: Bible Verses to help with Mental Health
Photo Cred: YouVersion Bible App