Having depression and anxiety since a teenager has impacted my life tremendously. It was really a difficult phase to accept and embrace. Back then, mental wellness is not widely known and people had very limited awareness towards this illness.
Previously I felt shameful to even see a psychiatrist for my depression and anxiety. I had to bring along a pet just to see the psychiatrist.
Back then, the anxiety was so bad that I couldn't attend school. It resulted in a delay in my graduation from high school.
I could vividly remember how intense those emotions were back in my high school days. It felt like I was walking on eggshells. It's hard to decipher those emotions that I was holding and back then I was not matured enough to find words to describe the state I was in.
Many had different perspectives towards a depressed person. They would even judge the person based on this illness. Some would even point fingers at the person who is diagnosed clinically depressed. Questions like, "why are you so ungrateful?" "why are you not cherishing what you have?" But not many could understand that it has nothing to do with what we have or whatever state we are in.
It is said that mental health has nothing to do with someone's background. A wealthy or poor person have equal risks to be diagnosed with a clinical depression or anxiety. It's sad that not up till today, many people do not comprehend that the mental illness do not just go away by itself and the significance of seeking medical attention just like any other illness.
It would be very ignorant to ask a cancer patient to forgo any treatments or doctor consultations and to advice the patient to just eat healthily; in hopes that the illness will go away by itself. People do not understand how their words and sentences could impact greatly on their social circle. Empathy is really something you could gift to any mental illness patient.
It's difficult to seek help when the world seems to be not as inclusive as it appears to be. I was often told not to reveal too much of my personal struggles, even on social media platforms privately with my social circle.
It was a challenge especially for an introvert like me who seldom like to mingle too much with my peers or relatives who are not constantly in touch with me. I believe that everything has a reason and sometimes all we need is to be a good listener. Before judging, listen. Silence is golden and a good listening ear is so rare nowadays.
People suffering from mental illness do not need you to be there for them 24 hours. They still can function on their normal days where they are just like any other adult. Remission not only happen in cancer, it also happens to mental illness patients - with another term to address it "relapse". Nobody wants to be a burden to anyone. If you ask a cancer survivor how does he feels about having a remission, I believe you will then be able to associate the heaviness he felt in his heart as much as any other mental illness patients who are battling with relapses. It feels really discouraging, especially when you were convinced that you have overcome an illness that has been bugging you. But oh well, life is unpredictable and sometimes life just throws lemons at us when we thought that we have victory over it.
So friends, please be patient and kind with your mental health illness loved ones. You really don't know how much your presence and reassurance could help them survive another day. Trust me, being ill long-term regardless of the medical condition, is exhausting. You could either choose to be a supportive ally and be involved in their lives as they get back on track or you could just choose not to be a part of their recovery process.
Please don't block the way of others who are more than happy to be part of their journey. If you are not ready to journey with them when they hit rock bottom, why should they include you when they hit the climax of their life?
Comments