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You matter: It’s okay not to be okay 

“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean that you can, should, or need to do it alone” - Lisa Olivera

According to the CDC, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is as important as physical health at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. But do we really take our mental well-being seriously?

There are various stages and types of mental health problems including eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and many more. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) includes information on about 300 mental conditions. This is a handbook published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is used by health professionals to help identify and diagnose mental illness. Mental illness diagnosis is not often completely obvious. In the medical world, there is been a lot of discussion concerning what qualifies as a mental illness.

If it has so many discussions going around it then why at some places is it still considered shameful to admit that one has been going through these mental health issues? Recently I came across an interview of Virat Kohli’s with Star Sports where he said and I quote:

“I am not shy to admit that I was feeling mentally down. We don’t want to be looked at as mentally weak. Trust me, faking to be strong is far worse than admitting to being weak.”

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I do agree with what he said. I think there is nothing wrong with feeling low, not wanting to do the things you usually do, or wanting to take a break. There are times when you want to be alone and maybe introspect and that’s Okay! And I believe that somebody showing their true emotions even if it’s feeling low is the strongest thing ever because being vulnerable in front of anybody is not easy and if somebody has the courage to do so it needs to be appreciated not questioned.

But feeling low and not wanting to do anything is not the only symptom of mental health problems; there are more to these symptoms that affect a person’s daily life drastically. These symptoms can include:

  • Overthinking about everything
  • Unreasonable anger or irritability
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Increased or decreased sleep
  • Increased or low appetite
  • Lack of motivation
  • Withdrawing from people and one’s social life
  • Feelings that life is not worth living or more serious suicidal thoughts
  • Not looking after personal hygiene or other responsibilities

If one is struggling with any of these issues don’t take it lightly and seek professional help from therapists, psychiatrists, or psychologists.

According to the UN, COVID-19 did more than increase the prevalence of mental health issues, it also accelerated positive momentum in our communities to raise awareness about these issues and increased accessibility to crucial support and services for those affected. But still, mental illness is often misrepresented and misunderstood — largely because we cannot “see” it. We can’t tell by looking at someone how much they are suffering so try to be empathetic toward others and try to extend a helping hand wherever they require.

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But most importantly coming back to the question we started with, do we really take our mental well-being seriously? Give it a thought!

Try sharing your story because I think everybody reading this has felt mentally down at some point in their life. Music is my way to deal with my lows and I am not afraid to take breaks and give myself some time to bounce back stronger.

How do you deal with your bad days?

How do you bounce back stronger each time?

I know you all are strong and hanging in there with that big bright smile of yours but let yourself be free by sharing your stories because Your story matters! You matter!

This blog has been conceptualized by Vigyata Gupta a Youth Blogger with Gurti Foundation.

This mental health awareness month let us know your Story ; Connect with us and uncover magic!

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Gurti Foundation is a Gurgaon based NGO that supports vulnerable young girls from low-income families (between 14 -21 years) to achieve their dreams.

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