By: Hannah Darnell, RN
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation organization, depression and anxiety were the most common mental health diagnosis across the life span and the world. In 2021 the mental health statistics were:
• 18,110 cases per 100,000 people State Side
• 18,411 cases per 100,000 in Brazil
• 18,973 cases per 100,000 in Greenland
• 19,936 cases per 100,000 in Portugal
• 18,391 cases per 100,000 in Tunisia
• 18,062 cases per 100,000 in New Zealand
• 18,262 cases per 100,000 in Greece
• 19,846 cases per 100,000 in Iran
Why so many cases?
There are numerous causative factors of mental illness in our world. Childhood abuse, bullying, self-criticalness, and finances are just a few examples of mental health illness (IHME, 2021).
Finances especially are twofold, you are overwhelmed with lack of finances to pay bills, then you cannot afford psychological assistance needed to cope with meeting this month’s rent. This stress just becomes more and more compounded, like interest. But, enough Math, there are immediate free contacts nationwide to talk you into a safer head space, no matter what the circumstance.
Covid
Prior to the pandemic, depression and anxiety was no stranger among us. After Covid there was documented 53 million cases of depression, and almost 80 million anxiety cases. There are also potentially more cases undocumented as those who suffer with depression and anxiety don’t feel comfortable discussing it (NAMI).
Letting Emotion Drive
Women were diagnosed with depression and anxiety illness about double that of men (IHME). Why? Worrying, loss of income, domestic abuse from Covid lockdowns, social isolation, and lastly, an increase of household duties. It’s difficult to deep breathe when going through the proverbial “fire,” but it truly helps you visualize by taking pause and recognizing you CAN do this, just not ALONE.
No matter if you’re a man or woman, adolescent, don’t allow your pride to keep you wanting to hide. That’s the worst thing you can do. Fight those powerful constant currents of heartache, anger, and fear by yelling out for help; so, someone may throw you a safety-air vest filled with opportunity, and unlimited chances, if you just accept it.
Help
Sometimes simply realizing you are not alone can make a HUGE difference in your perspective. If you are in a low state of mind, contact the suicide prevention hotline, now. Call or text 988 for help in both English and Spanish. This line is confidential, to help your thoughts become less stormy. It’s amazing how just having someone, anyone to listen as you share your heart, can unburden a lot of baggage and then, you reset.
Silence Taunting Ignorant Groupings Mean Alienate
Today we have come a long way from dehumanizing mental health issues, thankfully. However, there are still places where mental illnesses are just kept silent. Both stateside and internationally, let’s continue to study, research and educate those populations who are oblivious to Depression and Mental Illness.
How Exactly to Stop the Scarlet Letter of Labeling?
According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), to help reduce stigma associated with mental illness, there are several things you can do to create an awareness platform. People who have mental illness should be able to openly talk about their day-to-day struggles. Majority of the time, ignorance is absolutely NOT bliss, usually placing both feet in another’s pair of shoes gives you a clearer glimpse of what someone is going through.
“I offer free hugs to people living outdoors and sit right there and talk with them about their lives. I do this in public, and model compassion for others. Since so many of our homeless population are also struggling with mental illness, the simple act of showing affection can make their day but also remind passersby of something so easily forgotten: the humanity of those who are suffering.” ~Rachel Wagner~
References:
https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/health-risks-issues/mental-health
https://www.fcc.gov/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline
https://www.nami.org/education/9-ways-to-fight-mental-health-stigma/
Photo by unsplash.com/@kaimantha
