For many people, mental health is a matter that they don’t want to talk about. They consider it’s for those who are ill of mind or as some say it’s for crazy people. We find it difficult to understand that mental health must be taken care of just as we take care of our physical health. We must give it the same importance and be aware of the signals it gives us when something is not right.
It is important to understand that for the well-being of an individual, physical and mental health must be in balance. There are people who feel depressed, anxious or can’t handle their emotions, but don’t seek help. They think that over time those moods pass. It may happen, but the tracks remain and continue to accumulate. Without realizing the condition, it continues to complicate and from a simple condition it can become a severe condition.
It is time that we put aside the stigma that exists with mental health. It is important that we begin to pay attention to the symptoms of emotional imbalance in all family members. We must create an environment where everyone feels confident to express if they feel depressed, anxious, suffer from insomnia or any other symptom that does not allow them to perform their duties properly. Also, we should recommend the attention of a mental health professional with the same naturalness that we recommend a doctor for our physical health.
When we eliminate myths, stigmas and understand that mental health is essential for healthy coexistence in society, many of the problems we are experiencing today can be minimized. Having the ability to seek help from a mental health professional is not being crazy is being smart.
By María M. García, BA, MA
