BY: LEXI COYLE MCDONALD
LIFESTYLE HEAD
In the last few days of the month of May, it is important for everybody to recognize every single person in their lives (especially those with medical diagnoses) for the fact that they have kept going and are continuing to fight for a better future. Many of those who are battling severe mental disorders live seemingly successful lives and do not normally announce their diagnoses, for fear of the stigma and the generalizations which force people into a little box titled “victim.” This can make it very hard for people to get motivated to seek treatment because it diminishes their experiences and personhood and instead limits them inside a diagnostic label.
During COVID, many are feeling isolated from their lives, their friends, their sports, their jobs, their passions, and their family. Now, it is more important than ever to validate people and support them.
Tips to help a loved one:
Be There. This is a huge step that shows that you care and that you are completely present, even when you physically cannot be together because of COVID. You can send cute videos of animals, pictures of you and them together, send a card with some flowers, or even Postmates their favorite dinner to their door.
Listen. When someone reaches out to you, it normally is not a good idea to quickly interrupt and give them the “easy fix.” Your capabilities are not necessarily theirs, so let them explain and offer gentle advice when they ask for it.
The Little Things. Getting out of bed, taking a shower, and changing clothes are things that should be appreciated because sometimes even “simple” tasks can seem like the hardest things to do. Just saying “I am proud of you today for eating/doing work/sleeping enough” can feel really good.
Be Specific. When you offer help or ask if they need any, that is a broad question which they may not be able to answer, or may make them feel pressured to not “ask for too much” so you do not judge them. Instead, be knowledgeable about things they struggle with and give them offers specific to their needs.
Be Aware. Keep noticing their telltale signs of when it is getting too much too handle because sometimes it can’t be handled just by you and them, in which case it is better to help them find a professional source of assistance. Remind them that seeking treatment is nothing to be ashamed about, so encourage them to help themselves. Some options are various types of therapy, medication, meditation, and treatment centers, all of which can provide assistance.
(Sources for the photograph statistics: World Health Organization)
According to WHO, “the gap between people needing care and those with access to care remains substantial” for many reasons. Although progress has been made in some countries, depression remains as one of the leading causes of disability, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds, 800,000 people die by suicide annually, and people with severe mental health conditions can die as much as two decades early due to preventable causes.
In addition, those with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma. Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Director of WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse asserted that a “scale-up of resources for mental health is not happening quickly enough...Failure to invest in mental health as a matter of urgency will have health, social and economic costs on a scale that we have rarely seen before.” In low-income countries, the rate of mental health workers can be as low as 2 per 100,000 people, while it is estimated that 1 in every 10 people will need mental health care at any given time.
More than two-thirds of countries report that the treatment for persons with severe mental disorders is not included in national health insurance. These statistics show just how much progress needs to be made because nobody deserves to not have the mental health treatment they need because of materialistic concerns.
These facts, however, do not mean you should give up hope: they are a call for action to be made to protect all people and their precious lives. Donate, support, spread awareness, care for others, and most importantly, care for yourself. You are doing enough, you are caring enough, and you are enough. You are not alone.
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