Mental Health is Health. It Matters.

Mental health, more so mental illness is a topic that has elicited a lot of debate over the years. It is perhaps one of the most intriguing topics that is continually growing, having its dynamics know no bounds. Naturally, human beings are curious and complex beings. We have an indefinite hunger to always know more, and in most cases, apply this knowledge in our mundane lives.

One of the topics of discussion revolves around depression. Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder/ Clinical depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, and loss of interest in activities that an individual once found pleasure in. The disorder affects how one feels, thinks and behaves, which can lead to a series of either emotional or behavioral problems.

Majority of the individuals who suffer from mental illness, per say depression fail to seek help because of the stigma that comes with it. In as much as mental health is a wide topic of discussion especially in the 21^st century, many people who are suffering from depression choose to keep this to themselves, having this notion majorly influenced by the fear of being stigmatized.

 Sirey, J. A., et al., (2001), made a study on both young and older adults who were afflicted with depression. In as much as there was an aspect of perceived stigma in both demographics, one of the main strengths of the study was the fact that in as much as there was a higher degree of stigma amongst the younger adults, this did not stop them from seeking ongoing treatment. I would tend to think that the reason behind this is the fact that young adults are open minded and can easily adopt new ideas, especially in terms of getting help. It is easier for young adults to overshadow external negative forces of stigma due to the fact that a young individual has their whole life ahead of them. It would be better confronting the problem head on in hopes to improve their condition of living towards the future.

A major shortcoming of the study was the fact that perceived stigma affected most older adults and discouraged them from seeking the treatment needed.

Arguably, I would invoke Erickson’s notion of generativity and stagnation as a reason behind this. Older adults at this stage want to become productive members of the society, by mainly contributing towards the betterment of it. Older adults might also have people who depend on them, therefore it becomes easier for them to put the needs of their respective responsibilities above their own. The fact that depression is a step back regarding this, makes it harder to seek the necessary treatment.

The mind is a very fragile thing. It takes only the slightest tap to tip it in the wrong direction, or the right one. With so many factors contributing to individuals suffering from depression, it is important to note that all begins and all is connected to the psyche.

By taking proper care of your mind, majorly through positive thinking and a strong support system; which can be both internal and external, it becomes easier to handle the disorder and makes the individual a productive member of the society. This can be achieved by not only sharing proper information about the disorder, but also encouraging healthy support to individuals afflicted by it.

Article written by M.O.E