By Eila Trenel & Ibrahim Sharul
In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on staying healthy as no matter how much wealth you amass, as it serves no purpose if you were to spend it all on health treatments. Everyone wants to enjoy a health-issue free life. But what does this concept of health refer to? Just physical health? Yes, there have been campaigns advocating for a minimum of 150 minutes of workout weekly to stay fit and healthy.
But what about mental health? In the words of Richard Davidson, "The key to a healthy life is a healthy mind". This is something that is not so apparent upon first glance but is gaining mass awareness these days due to an increase of stress, and consequently, a poorer mental health state. Advocating for good mental wellbeing is on the rise to cope with the increasing fast pace of life and the pursuit of growth and success. Through the power of technological advancements in social media, its wide appeal to audiences, and the magic of marketing, mental health is no more an alien concept but a topic embraced by many. This rise has been accelerated due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted and uprooted lives. With more individuals unable to carry on with their normal routines, mental illnesses are on the rise; particularly depression and social anxiety. This is especially true among the youth, many of which would be facing their first few crises in life.
Despite rising awareness, there is still stigma against mental health, especially among the older generation who refuse to challenge old beliefs. Some even claim that it is a marketing gimmick, asserting that there is nothing wrong with everyone. They argue that those who identify themselves as suffering from poor mental health are simply weak and unable to deal with the struggles of life. When youth with poorer mental health get labelled as such by society, and more so their own parents, many can’t help but feel devastated and unloved, exacerbating their already poor mental health. The poor response to the support sought by youth from prominent figures in their life may only result in a greater rift between them and their parents. When some of these individuals are unable to get help (from either friends or professionals), it may result in an internal conflict. Their inner voice may constantly criticize them for being weak, or not being good enough to take care of themselves. This results in a vicious cycle of poor mental health stemming from self-worth issues and feeling lonely and unwanted. Many of us can imagine struggling alone in this uncertain world, facing every challenge until you feel the overwhelming desire to simply give up.
So, what can you do when you find yourself struggling with your mental health? Some answers come immediately to mind: make time for the things you enjoy, talk about your issues with the people you trust, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. These tried and true pieces of advice (which are elaborated on our partner SAMH’s website, linked below) are definitely beneficial for one’s mental wellbeing. Trying to self-treat depression? Do read the article here where we share tips of what has personally worked in uplifting oneself. But what about when the unforgiving whirlpool of mental illness is simply too much to bear? The idea of professional mental health intervention from places such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) may seem unfathomable and vague. Where do you even begin? If you seek treatment at IMH, or organizations such as SAMH, are you now officially ‘crazy’?
Of course not! Like any physical sickness, mental illness is just that: an illness (do check out the article here for a more in-depth discussion of this). These institutes provide valuable treatments in the form of support groups, various types of therapy, and medication. These treatments (which are expanded upon on SAMH’s website, linked below) are not to be feared: you wouldn’t keep walking on a broken leg, so what’s so shameful about seeking help for an illness of the mind?
At the end of the day, there is no health without mental health. Indeed, there is an increasing awareness of mental health issues, especially in the light of a global pandemic, as well as more people willing to seek help. However, this does not mean that the stigma against mental health issues has been entirely eradicated. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to offer a supportive shoulder or a listening ear. And, if the issue ever gets too heavy to bear, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. After all, recovery is sped up when illnesses are adequately treated!
Useful links:
SAMH’s Website: https://www.samhealth.org.sg/
First time looking for professional mental intervention? Do check these websites out:
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