Mental health stems from complex branches of personal, social and environmental stressors which affect a person’s overall behaviour, emotional regulation, and attitude towards others. Anyone can be affected by mental health issues regardless of age, gender or cultural background, and in fact around 1 billion people around the world suffer from mental health, with 1 in 5 experiencing it from a young age. It is often unseen or overlooked by others which is why a stand needs to be taken with the help of the community.

 The communal stigma surrounding mental health is constantly downgrading to the point where others are unsure whether to validate everyday struggles or recognise legitimate medical conditions and are often met with either judgement, ridicule or dismissiveness. A very vague line has been drawn between typical human emotion, and clinical or affected illness. The effects of this include:

Hopelessness, shame or isolation
Reluctance to ask for help
Fewer social interactions and equal opportunities
Bullying, discrimination or alienation
Self doubt
Lack of understanding from trusted members
All of these effects significantly decrease the likelihood of mental cooperation or treatment.

Mental health has substantially increased in the 21st century with a spike occurring specifically in 2010. This led to an increased strain in resources and help for those affected.

Short term effects of mental health include:

Impaired cognitive function due to stress and anxiety
Social disconnection
Fatigue, headaches and physical symptoms
Decreased productivity and efficiency drops

Long terms effects of mental health include:

Chronic health risks
Career stagnation and job loss
Strained relationships

We urge everyone to proactively build a supportive foundation around mental health by implementing movements around educational facilities, institutions and workplaces such as workshops, counselling, health plans, programs and mobile health apps. As well as by advocating lifestyle changes such as affirmations, stress management, digital boundaries, self care and routine. Additionally, social media pages, apps and sites can be used to portray mental health effectively and accurately by collaborating with specialists in the field to showcase a pivotal role in changing perceptions, and gaining global, equal knowledge.

 I feel strongly about this issue as I have found through past experiences, that mental health is generalised which subsequently leads to dismissive and neglectful behaviour towards this issue. By talking to friends and families struggling with this, the verdict is the same each time- nobody takes their feelings, opinions and symptoms seriously. I want to change this. I want to create a supportive group of fellow people where experiences and help can be administered. I want somewhere others can fall back onto when things aren’t going right. I want a hub where information and specialists can help those suffering. I want somewhere where mental health is taken seriously and feelings are validated.

Support Mental Health! Support My Voice! We Stand Stronger Together