There’s a Good Chance You Will Experience a Mental Illness

You Are Not Alone.

If you were told that one in two Americans will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, would you be surprised? I was. The truth is I was shocked to learn of this statistic despite my years of education and practice as a mental health professional.

 Our society has a deeply ingrained, stigmatized perceptions toward mental illness and mental health. In many cultures it’s considered taboo to even mention it. Too often, people are told to hide their mental illnesses or not to tell others about them because it is “embarrassing” or “shameful.” There is no health without mental health, yet we are not supposed to think or talk about it. We often go to our employers when we have a migraine or cancer diagnosis, yet we do not do the same with anxiety or depressive thoughts, why?

 There are varying levels as to what is considered a mental illness, and degrees to which someone will experience these illnesses. Mental illnesses can range from anxiety, depression, addiction and substance use to post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar and schizophrenia.

 All of this is to say that mental illness is not some rare, embarrassing unidentifiable disease but instead a very real and common part of our daily lives that will impact all of us on some level, whether that be ourselves or through a loved one.

While we have so been focused on our physical well-being, namely around the impact of COVID-19, we have let our mental health be overlooked. Aside from the pandemic’s own disastrous effects on our mental health, political, social and economic strife have created unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and fear among adults and youth alike.   

Alas, there is good news! Help is always available for whenever we are ready. If we can acknowledge that mental illness is not an anomaly, but instead something that can be addressed and improved with proper treatment, just like a migraine, then it will be possible to collectively get better.

For example, if you were experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you would likely get tested and follow medical guidance on how to get better, right? The same should be extended to mental illness. In the same way we are vigilant and careful of our physical health, whether that be exercising or eating a balanced diet, we need to apply the equivalent to our mental health. It is non-negotiable.

Whether you may be experiencing signs of a mental illness or not, it is always a good idea to seek help. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, so taking preventative care of it is invaluable.

(Repurposed original material written for The Maple Counseling Center)