Mental health is a topic people shy away from even though it is well-known that it is important. Does the thought of talking about someone’s mental health bother you? Are you struggling yourself, so it’s hard for you to speak about it? Even though mental health is important to discuss, it can be hard to talk about. Regardless of if you are telling someone how you feel or being there for someone you love when they are going through difficult times, being honest can be hard, and hearing that someone you care about is struggling can be hard to take in. 

According to John Hopkins Medicine, “26% of Americans ages 18 and older about 1 in 4 adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. In particular, depressive illnesses tend to co-occur with substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Approximately 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over, will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year.” One out of four people you love could be suffering, and you just aren’t aware of it. 

Mental health should be taken just as seriously as physical health, because an emotional downward spiral can lead to the harm of individuals or others around them, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, eating disorders, and many other dangerous things. 

 Even though it may be hard to hear that this is the reality of what could happen if someone suffers in silence for too long, it’s better to act now before things escalate. You should never have to wonder what you should have done or said when they were still around to hear it. 

I urge anyone who is reading this that is struggling with their mental health or know of anyone who is, to please seek help. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend or family member you trust, connecting yourself or a friend with a counselor at EMU or elsewhere, or seeking guidance from a professor, CA, or RD, it is important to take the first step towards saving your own life or the life of someone you love.