World mental health day 2017

I waited an extra day to publish this weeks post so that I could do it on World Mental Health Day since that's what the blog is all about (obviously;). I don't think I have a specific topic for today but rather just talking about mental illness as a whole. 

This day is so beyond important because it's bringing mental health to the forefront and talking about something most people want to shy away from. It's only on days like this where people can really sense how much of an impact mental health is having on people. 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental illness in a given year. For most people that's one person per household. Mental illness doesn't care who you are, what race you are, what your sexuality is, how much you weigh, or what your achievements are, it can hit at any time without warning. 

There are so many statistics flying around about the prevalence of mental illness and they are all heartbreaking. Mental illness is the main cause of disease burden worldwide yet it is one of the most underfunded areas in healthcare, judged upon and shamed for. Most people wouldn't ignore a persistent cough for longer than 3 weeks but I can almost guarantee someone experiencing low moods and withdrawal will ignore the problem for much longer. Below are some statistics I've found (click on the picture if you'd like the link). 

We need to get away from this notion that mental health is shameful, disgusting, powerless, weird and not a real "problem". It's clear that it is a problem, one that millions of people worldwide are battling each day yet some say it is still "all in your head". It is very real and for the person experiencing it, scary. Help isn't something that should be hard to access or offered after months of struggling. There is no shame in admitting you're not okay. It took me a long time to get to a point in my life where I could answer "how are you" with the honest truth and not a quick "okay". When I'm having an off day I try not to brush past it because sometimes it can be the start of a longer phase. It's all about knowing your illness and what triggers you. You are the only one in your head and body and sometimes both of those things are causing all-consuming pain. 

A little Grey's Anatomy quote that I shared on my instagram for today to remind everyone that mental illness is a fight you can win no matter how painful your days feel. Talk about it, acknowledge it, ask about it and admit there is struggle in this fight. If you’ve been there and made it through the other side, fight for those who are still in the midst of it. Everything is better fought with those around you supporting you, helping you and loving you. Even in the darkest moments there will always be someone out there willing to listen when it feels like your world is crumbling apart. Don’t fight this fight alone. 
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If you are struggling today or have been struggling for a while, please know you aren't alone. It can feel like it, I know that loneliness feeling too well and it wraps around your mind convincing you that no one wants to help you or that you're beyond help- you're not. You are worthy. You are wanted. You are loved. You are valued. You are not any of the things your depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD or other mental illness tells you that you are. If you are hurting today please reach out to someone whether its online, a doctor or friends and family. A five minute conversation can literally save a life. If you're feeling better and made it through the other side, ask someone how they are today or give someone a hug. We can never be too kind, especially in a world so full of hatred, anger and sadness. 
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And if you are someone that still despite all the evidence and stories out there, believe mental illness isn't real, attention-seeking or weird, I just hope that you never feel the anguish of living with a mental illness. Always educate yourself before you express your opinion. Be kind, smile at strangers and hug those who need it. You never know someone's story just by looking at them.