I think, when I grow up, and grow into my Psychology field career, I want to go into advocacy and education. I still want to sit with clients and do therapy, but I think there is a bigger purpose in the field of mental health.
I often wonder "why me?" Why is all this happening to me? And on this very early morning, it clicked. My experiences, my personal experiences will allow me to create empathy, personal understanding, personal education, and real experience with the real issues of the human experience. This, coupled with my formal education, theory, and intervention strategies will undoubtedly be beneficial to advocate and educate the community about mental health issues.
There is such a stigma around depression, eating disorder, Bi-polar disorder (to just name a few). Mental health issues, unlike cancer, or heart disease or diabetes, is seen as a problem in our minds. Something we cannot see. Something we do not understand. Something we do not talk about. How is depression; a true chemical imbalance in your brain, any different from diabetes, a true insulin/sugar imbalance in your blood? Is it really any different? Or is it just how people perceive the two illnesses? What is the difference between taking insulin shots and take anti-depressants? They both help the imbalance, and essentially alleviate symptoms to lead a productive, healthy life. Both disease need support and ongoing treatment. Patience from loved ones. So why is one, treated so different from the other.
I think that is where my work comes in. Education. I think I have realized I will always be in education, but I will be educating in a different way. I will be advocating for what I have personally struggled with. I am not sure why I never thought of this people, but over the last few days I have been struggling and I felt very alone. I have to constantly remind myself that I never have to struggle alone. Fortunately, I am surrounded by many that understand what I am dealing with. They have educated themselves and found patience within themselves to help me. It is so important to understand that when dealing with mental health issues, there is help. For the sufferers and their partners. It is not something to be scared of, or to run from. It is something to educate yourself about.
The number of people who suffer from a mental health problem are astonishing (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml)
Yet, people do not get the help they need out of pure ignorance from those around them.
Today, I ask everyone reading this, everyone who has happened about this page, to educate yourself about mental health issues. Look at the people in your life, look for the warning signs, make sure they are not suffering alone. Have patience. Realize their intentions. Realize that they are not lazy, or incompetent or sick, or crazy...they are struggling, trying to find their way, just like everyone else. And they just need some different tools, and friends, to be able to heal.
Here are a few websites that can START to help you understand.
Be kind. Always.
What A Difference A Friend Makes
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