GET HELP NOW WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS

Mental health illness is an invisible disease because often no one knows about it. Except for the sufferer, although they sometimes don’t know that what they are experiencing is more than a case of the blue.  Since it is so difficult to detect, it can go unnoticed for years. Hence, it takes an informed person and someone who has a real bond with those individuals to recognize the symptoms when they are suffering from a mental illness and urges them to get help right away.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of mental health illness are:

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking

In the last couple of years, many prominent people in our society had Suicidal Ideation and sadly acted on it. Published literature describes Suicidal ideations (SI), as suicidal thoughts or ideas,  and is a broad term used to describe a range of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide. There was darkness in their souls which they skillfully covered from a society that expects them to be great and “fine” even when they’re crushed inside.  After covering their mental anguish for years, they finally succumb to the pressure that eventually consumes them.  Many people do not want to hear the truth because the truth is costly. It requires listening with the heart and for some of us, our hearts are closed to the world.  Hence, we continue to act indifferently to those who are suffering.

Mental health illness is a critical illness that is likened to a pressure cooker. If we do not lift the lid and let out the steam, it will explode and the consequences can be detrimental to life and property. Therefore, I urge you to ease the lid and let the steam out while there is still time to escape. Why not take the time and talk to a cherished friend with whom you have a spiritual bond or a professional counselor today? Help is abundant out there for those who are mentally ill. However, it is up to them to recognize that they are unwell and need help and reach out to someone who can steer them in the right direction. Get help now!  Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.