These days, people continue to evolve and talk about mental health. They share their struggles and even their ways on how to cope, especially this pandemic. Almost everyone I know faced difficulties the past year and a half and still striving to survive and adjust to the new normal that we all face. Do you have a friend who’s facing different mental health issues? Or are you facing these issues yourself? Here, I’ll be sharing my cup of tea because I am going through it. So, are you ready?
Disclaimer: Things I share here may or may not be applicable to you, since we face different challenges in life. Don’t self-diagnose, I tell you. Please find the courage to consult and seek professional help.
Trigger warning: This blog post may contain suicidal ideations or thoughts that may bother you. If so, you may stop reading.
Now, where do I begin?
Facing the anxiety and braving the truth about my mental health issues
My journey of managing my mental health began when I was still in law school. I encountered and faced anxiety that would cripple me every time I would go to class. Going to class prepared is one of the most basic things you need to do while pursuing further studies.
However, when anxiety hits you, you forget all the things you prepared for. When you stand up in the classroom, it appears that all you studied days before, being left behind in your seat once you stand up. Hence, I would end up feeling embarrassed or ashamed that I could not answer the question entirely.
Fast-forward to 2020, before the pandemic exploded in the Philippines, I scheduled a physical visit to the psych at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Would you believe someone like me would go out physically? Well, yes. That’s before the pandemic struck, and the country went through a lockdown.
Therefore, I postponed my check-up for months. By December, I saved up all courage and defeated my worries about seeing a psych, and booked for a teleconsult. That started my journey of taking care of my mental health more.
What’s next? Now, I share with you some thoughts and stories from my experience of dealing with mental health issues, as well as befriending people who face the same challenges as I do.
How do you converse with people who face mental health issues?
Honestly, this feels a bit tricky, especially since different people possess different personalities. You may meet people who are introverted, yet you are an extrovert. Well, that’s my life right there. I befriended and adopted many introverts along the way, and they taught me a lot about interacting with introverts.
One of the most notable things about introverts, don’t force them to talk at all. Let them open themselves up to you. The more you try or encourage them to open up to you, the more that they will shy away from you. So, if you have introverted friends, just show and send them support without forcing them so much to share their challenges with you.
I learned the hard way, believe me. In my previous version, well, consider it to be Maria version 1.0, I continuously talk to my introverted friends without realizing that they feel socially tired. Worse, that I drained their social battery.
So, when you intend to comfort your friends who struggle with their mental health, make them feel that you are always there. However, I remind you to take care of yourself too. When you check in on your friends, remember that you may over-extend yourself and neglect your well-being in the end.
Here are other things you can do:
- Send them memes that would ultimately cheer them up.
- Ask how they are doing.
- Share quotes or even tips on how to take care of yourselves. Reshared posts work too, especially if those come from reliable sources or even mental health platforms that encourage the wellness of people.
- Tell them stories about your day and even your struggles too. We appreciate stories from people who we could relate to.
- Invite them to virtual parties or even virtual dates to catch up outside the usual chats. Emotions are conveyed better through voice calls or video calls. Chats rarely convey the true emotions that we want to express to the people we talk to.
Debunking Assumptions About Mental Health
I experienced firsthand stigma about mental health. Do you want to know what happened?
It was the time that I was on the brink of stopping law school altogether because I knew my mental health had begun declining already. I know in myself that if I still continue it, it will just be a waste. My mental health declined as I continued. I would frequently get anxiety attacks and would manifest through tummy aches or even through acid reflux.
Then, I would visit the clinic or even take meds for my tummy aches, but it was more than just a mere tummy ache anymore. My mental health was already manifesting physically, and I knew I needed to do something about it. Slowly, I started reaching out and consulting the counselors in school, but I felt it did not help me at all. To be honest, the people there are nice but not really provide enough help for my mental wellness, let alone my whole health.
Hence, I sought a different kind of help. I asked friends in the medical field who I trusted that will know and understand what I’ve been going through. Shout out to my dear friend, Rogelio, for helping me through the dark times and for being such a trustworthy friend through and through!
Challenging Myths and Assumptions About Mental Health
There are countless harmful myths and assumptions surrounding mental health issues. Here are a few that I’ve personally encountered, along with why they’re so damaging:
Myth 1: “Why? Are you going crazy?”
Sadly, even those close to us can sometimes react dismissively when we talk about our mental health. This kind of response invalidates our experiences and can discourage people from seeking the help they need.
Myth 2: Seeking professional help makes you a “hopeless case.”
This is completely untrue! Seeing a therapist or psychiatrist is a sign of strength and self-care. It indicates that you’re taking your mental health seriously and working towards positive change.
Myth 3: Taking medication is shameful.
Medication can be a vital part of managing mental health issues. Just like medications for physical illnesses, they shouldn’t be stigmatized.
Seeking Professional Help For Your Mental Health
Seeking professional help for mental health issues can feel daunting, and that’s completely understandable. It took me a while to build up the courage, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way. Acknowledging that we require support is a huge first step. If you’re struggling to accept the need for help, remember there’s no shame in prioritizing your well-being.
Everyone’s journey towards seeking professional help is different. Some people might decide to consult a mental health professional after a few months, while others may take longer. There’s no right or wrong timeframe here. The most important thing is to listen to yourself and recognize when things feel too overwhelming to handle alone. If your daily life, work, and relationships feel impacted by your mental health, seeking professional help can make a significant difference.
If you live in the Philippines, there are resources available to help you find a qualified mental health professional. You can find a list of clinics and support groups here.
End Pill Shaming
I’ve been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and my psychiatrist prescribed me medication to help manage my symptoms. These medications have been instrumental in my progress, helping me cope with overwhelming thoughts and sleep issues.
Unfortunately, some people still have negative reactions when they learn someone takes medication for their mental health. This is called pill shaming, and it’s harmful.
It’s significant to remember that mental health issues are just as valid as physical health problems. If you have a fever, you take medication – there’s no shame in that. The same principle applies to mental health. Medications can be lifelines for managing mental health conditions, and no one should feel judged for using them responsibly.
Be a Friend to Those Facing Mental Health Challenges
One of the most powerful things I’ve witnessed in mental health communities is the willingness of people to support one another. Even a kind word or gesture from someone who understands can help individuals facing mental health issues feel less alone and more capable of overcoming their struggles.
Offering friendship and support can make a world of difference. While it might feel simple, those acts of care and reassurance can be vital for someone who feels isolated or unsupported in their daily life. I know from personal experience that having a strong support system has been absolutely instrumental in my journey with mental health issues.
Suicidal Thoughts or Even Ideations
Navigating through mental health issues can sometimes lead individuals down a dark path, where thoughts of self-harm or suicide emerge. It’s a deeply personal struggle, one that can be exacerbated by the very medications intended to help. These thoughts can act as a distressing side effect, making the journey toward wellness seem even more daunting.
For some, the contemplation of overdose becomes a haunting consideration, a reflection of the immense pain they are experiencing. Yet, it is often in these moments of despair that a glimpse of hope appears, pulling us back from the brink. Whether it’s the thought of loved ones, friends, or the unconditional love of our pets, these connections serve as powerful reminders of the reasons to keep fighting, to stay engaged in the battle for mental well-being.
If you notice a friend or loved one showing signs of withdrawal, such as consistently avoiding social gatherings or expressing a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, it’s crucial to reach out. These behaviors can be indicative of deeper struggles, and your initiative to check in can make a significant difference. Remind them that your support is unwavering, that you’re there to listen without judgment, to offer comfort, and to provide a shoulder to lean on through their turbulent moments.
How to Help?
Every so often, the most profound impact comes from simply being present. Offering an open heart and a listening ear can be the lifeline someone needs when navigating the complexities of mental health issues. Let them know that they’re not alone, that their feelings are valid, and that it’s okay to seek help. Your support could be the beacon of hope that guides them back to a place of safety and reassurance.
Remember, your presence and willingness to listen can be enough to make a world of difference for someone grappling with suicidal thoughts or ideations. Together, we can create a network of support that uplifts, encourages, and, most importantly, reminds each other of the many reasons to hold on.
Here’s one of my trusted friends, Erika, sharing a piece of her mind.
We may be in our boats, conquering and basking through the same storm. But the thing is, we differ in terms of what kind of boat we are in or what kinds of waves we are riding through. Some may be sailing a smooth ocean, while others are facing gigantic waves that seem perilous on their own. Nevertheless, the common denominator to all of this is that we keep our heads above the weather through empathy. We never stop empathizing with others who may share the same pain and struggle as we do. Through that empathy, we survive every single day with a brave face.
Erika Mae Macasinag
Now what?
Everything comes to an end, right? These are some things that I feel everyone needs to know, especially if they know someone who’s facing mental health problems. That way, you will know how to comfort them or co-exist with them without causing more harm or even triggering them.
Remember, that being an empathetic person will help many people. Not only yourself but also the people around you, you give them the light that will guide them to find their way back home. Some may give up along the way, but kudos to those who stayed until their friend or loved one conquers the dark road!
Remember, be kind to yourself and to others around you!
No Comment! Be the first one.