By: Camille T. Camacho, AO II

Mental health is as important as physical health. Some say it is worst that the latter. A person who hasn’t experience this say that it is just the way you think. Well, it is but there are factors that lead it that way.

As defined, mental health disorders refer to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect your thinking, mood and behavior. Stress, problems, pressure and trauma are some reason that lead to mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. In addition, an excessive eating or lack of sleep can be disorder, but not all. Not everyone is aware of it and only few cares for it. People struggling with this battle tend to hide it. They seek for help but no one notice. Neither their family nor their friends know about it. For people who have mental health disorder, there is no way for them to escape. They suffer more and some of them commit suicide to end their struggle. There are professionals to diagnose mental health disorder. But many of us are scared to consult one because of the stigma.

Now is the time to end the stigma. Let us help and listen to the people who are having a hard time. A simple compliment ‘you did great’ and ‘good job’ can lift them up so say it to them. For people who are struggling, do not hesitate to continue asking for help. Consult a professional and do not self-diagnose. And put in mind that everything will be alright.