*Trigger Warnings Throughout.

Stigma is everywhere. And we all know it’s a problem. Education about mental health is needed not just in schools, but in society in general. Netflix’s recent production of ’13 Reasons Why’ has got many people talking about suicide and mental health. No matter what your opinion of the show is, we can all agree that this is a step in the right direction towards breaking down the stigma. We must talk about mental health. And I’ll give you 13 reasons why…

    1. So that people know they’re not alone

Talking about mental health can sometimes be comforting to sufferers as they know they are not alone. At first it can seem pretty daunting but once you have shared your feelings, the biggest step has been taken. There are so many people around you that are also suffering and it’s so important that people are made aware that they are not alone.

 2. People will be more likely to ask for help

There are so many silent sufferers out there who have no idea how to handle what’s going on in their heads. Talking openly about MH can help people come forward and ask for help

    3. So people know that it’s completely, 100% okay, not to be okay

Bad days and even bad weeks are completely normal. Together we can all help each other. Always remember, it’s absolutely, 100% okay, not to be okay!

    4. So people can think about having a future

The 2017 Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report tells us 6,188 suicides were registered in the UK and 451 in the Republic of Ireland.  This statistic is extremely high. It pains me that so many people just cannot go on any longer or see a future. The more we talk about mental health, hopefully, more people will seek help and know they have options.

    5. To be able to support your loved ones

You might think you know somebody extremely well and that you know absolutely everything that happens in their life. False. We have absolutely no idea what is going through anyone else’s head unless they tell us. Talking about mental health provides an opportunity for loved ones to tell you how they are really feeling, which can then help us support them.

    6. To understand your own feelings

1 in 4 people suffer from a mental health illness. Many of us can go about our everyday lives with feelings and symptoms unexplained, causing us to suffer. Talking and education ourselves about mental health allows us to have a deeper understanding of our own feelings.

    7. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health

We need to pay attention to our mental health just as much as our physical health to help us function.

    8. Help people figure out triggers

Helping people identify what triggers them can help them greatly. By distinguishing what triggers unwanted symptoms of their mental health, sufferers can try to avoid them and/or find a way of coping!

    9. So you can look out for warning signs

By recognising warning signs, you can help both yourself and somebody who may be suffering!

   10. It is everywhere!

Our mental health is with us every single day of our lives, whether it’s good or bad mental health. There is no way of avoiding it. Yes, you can block it out for a while but at some point you need to pay attention to it before it’s too late.

    11. We have a right to live!

It’s a human right.

   12. Somebody is always there to listen.

It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is. There will always be someone willing to listen to you. If you’re worried about waking up family or friends to speak about things then there are other options. You will not be judged. Samaritans are there every day of the year, every hour of the day.

• 116 123 (UK)
• 116 123 (ROI)

13. To break the stigma!!

People should not be afraid to ask for help.

 

Please speak out if you need help, it’s a massive step towards feeling yourself again!

Much love,