Mental Health

I write about mental health issues very lightly, as I have a close friend who struggles with a mental health disease. There is very little awareness of mental health diseases, which can often leave people confused and in the dark. I think it is important to know that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. People may judge what they do not know, but that is one of the most ignorant things you can do. 

It is sometimes scary as an outsider looking in to try to understand a person who goes thru this, especially because there is ultimately no cure for mental illness, people live with their disease and must deal with it every minute, every hour, and every day of their lives. One's only option is to seek treatment that may be in forms of, psychiatric therapy, or heavy medication. Once you come to terms with the fact that mental illness is not curable, you can than try to understand and help a person with mental illness a bit more.

Patience is truly key. To be patient with a person who has a mental health disease is one of the best things you can be for them. Often times medications have different reactions, which can lead to trial and error stages when being treated. Sometimes it takes months to find a treatment that works. If you know someone who is struggling with a mental illness, ask them about it. Do some research on recognizing signs, triggers, what may calm them, and what tasks they can do to help sooth their minds. Remind your friends who struggle with a mental health disease to drink water, and eat often! Keeping a healthy diet is so important. If you feel someone needs more help, do not hesitate to encourage them to seek treatment right away! 

I hope this can bring some awareness to mental health issues, and I hope that anyone who struggles with mental health diseases, depression, etc. knows that they are not alone. 

- Jeane Tui