Nadia Buckus
There are so many things we learn when we are younger. We learn how to talk, how to colour in the lines and how to ride a bike.
We learn the difference between a curly ‘C’ and a kicking ‘K’. We learn why we shouldn’t get the toast of out the toaster with a metal knife (if you didn’t learn this, don’t do it).
ALSO READ: BLOG: Supporting family with addiction problems
As we get older, we learn about love and relationships and explore the world a little more. We learn about the importance of money management and the importance of eating our meals five times a day. However, one thing many of us don’t learn about is mental health.
ALSO SEE: BLOG: Are you anxious or worried?
Unless you’ve experienced struggles with your mental health, many of us aren’t taught from a young age how to look after it. Many of us aren’t taught how to discuss mental health in a respectful manner, or how to support our friends or family in their experiences. So many people I speak to aren’t aware that every single one of us has mental health, just as we all have physical health.
I think if we were to do a survey regarding illness, it would be straightforward to name a wide range of common physical illnesses. In television adverts, we see a handful of products available to buy to alleviate physical illness symptoms. Yet if I asked you to name a list of common mental illnesses, more people would probably struggle, and herein lays the problem.
READ: BLOG: Suicide is not a solution
If we don’t educate, then we will never rid these stigmatising notions, stereotypical views and common misconceptions. It is scary to think that a part of our body we all need to nourish, many ignore. Mental illness is a broad term because it covers a whole range of illnesses, many of which are still deemed taboo. This has to change.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
