Lying awake at midnight, tossing relentlessly, trying to calm the voice in your head. Crying silently, not to seem weak. These are not your flaws, they are proof that you’ve been strong for too long .Even though it’s not widely talked about it is still far more common. It’s high time that we start talking about it
In a world where physical health is openly discussed, mental health still hides in the shadows, nobody taught us how to regulate our emotions in a healthy way, and this lack of awareness leads to serious and sometimes irreversible consequences.
People struggling often feel ashamed to speak up afraid of being labeled as ‘weak’. Being trapped in hopelessness, even everyday task like getting ready, going to school may feel overwhelming. It affects one’s social life, academic and well being, many withdraw themselves from friends and family and isolating themselves
Since childhood we have been taught to be strong to endure it all but why not what to do when we feel exhausted emotionally. Consequently most of the people don’t open up. They keep everything inside, the grief the anger the pain without a way to let it out and all these pent up emotions sometimes explode in such ways that cause damage not only to ourselves but also others.
Seeking help does not make us weak. Expressing our feelings and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is necessary for our well being. We need to create a safe space free of judgment so that people struggling realize that they’re not alone. We can do that by listening patiently, being emphatic. We as a society take pride in being affectionate and caring about other’s feelings but the reality is people who speak up are often dismissed and shamed, this may create a fear of opening up.
The first step towards healing is acknowledging that you’re not okay. Then you can tell a trusted person or write it somewhere, expressing is a very crucial step towards healing. You need to realize that silencing yourself will only make things worse. People often are told “Be grateful” and “Other people have it worse”. We need to realize that pain is not a competition.
It is important to teach our generation about mental health because it’s not bound to a specific age group mental health should be openly talked about in schools, workplaces and institutions. We need to hold seminars and workshops in these places to educate people, offer support when someone wants to get help, we must encourage them so that they realize that it is normal. This way we can save numerous lives.
Struggling with mental health may feel like being trapped in a maze, wherever you go there’s no way out. But a maze always has an exit you just need to find it. Similarly it may feel like you’re trapped but it’s important to understand that there will be a way out and hope should not be lost at any cause.
Written by:
Fareha Faisal
UDL XII
