World Mental Health Day- Let's Talk About it

World Mental Health Day- taking a moment for a well-deserved brew.

On a very basic level, mental health is just like physical health; everybody has it, everybody experiences it differently, and everybody needs to make a conscious effort to take care of it. 

Sometimes that is easier to do than others.  Sometimes it’s almost impossible to do at all. 

The theme for World Mental Health Day this year is suicide and suicide prevention.  Every year there are close to 800,000 people that take their own life, and there are many more who attempt it.  By taking the time to talk about mental health, and all of the raw and confusing bullshit that rides along with it, we can put an end to the social stigma that latches on for the journey.  We can begin to make some very positive steps forward towards acceptance. 

By acceptance I do not mean that we should allow those with mental health needs to reside in a place of darkness.  Let’s be honest, pretty much every one of us would end up spending a fair amount of time with the lights off if that was the case.  Instead, I’m pressing for people to understand that experiencing moments of darkness, whether fleeting or perpetual, is not something that should result in an individual being ostracised.  In fact, it should result in almost the exact opposite. 

Now, I understand that social media gets a bad reputation.  To be honest, even though I spend my days engaging with social media, I can see why.  The endless scrolling of newsfeeds can become both suffocating and extremely isolating all at the same time.  The constant art of looking and objectifying but not actually being physically seen is so reminiscent of a down day that it has the ability to intensify the conflicting emotions that humans experience on a regular basis.

So, what if we used social media in a different way?

Social media gives those who wish to remain unseen a platform to communicate and express themselves.  It has the capacity to share thoughts all over the world, at any given time of the day, so why not use it to make a positive impact on someone’s life? 

Online communities allow individuals and groups of people to connect with others that are experiencing the same or similar struggles.  They are to be used as support networks where personal stories can be articulated without fear of judgement, and they also give direction and signpost the way to services in an immediate area if you need physical help and support. 

Surprisingly, social media can make you feel connected even when you’re alone.

Social media can be a reminder that there are other people who can relate to your uncertainty, we all just have to change how we use the platforms.  Rather than chasing likes and shares on your personal accounts, begin looking for meaningful relationships.  Of course, don’t stop posting photos of your friends having a good time, and do continue to share those sunset pics on Insta, but begin to have a general awareness of other people’s differences and use social media to embrace and engage with them.

On World Mental Health Day we are encouraged to put the kettle on and talk to our friends and family about mental health, so why not take this one step further and continue with that same mantra each time you log into your favourite network? 

Challenge yourself… with every sip of your brew that you take while flicking through Facebook during your downtime, try to engage with somebody else to help pull them out of theirs. 

Written by Keeley Sawdon-Molloy