What it Means to Be Mentally Healthy

Today is the last day of Mental Health Awarness Week. Personally, I have struggled with mental health all of my life. I was 14 years old when I was diagnosed with depression. Then a few years later I was diagnosed with anxiety and minor PTSD. Growing up no one in my family talked about mental health or what it means to be depressed. It was only after my mom lost her battle with depression that I began to understand the truth about mental illnesses.

My family has a long history of depression, anxiety and suicide. When my grandfather was young, his father took his own life. My grandfather also suffered from chronic depression for the rest of his life. When my sisters were born, my mother suffered from server post-partum depression. She continued to secretly fight with depression for the following eleven years.

For the past decade, I have been struggling to understand what it means to be mentally healthy. How does it feel to be normal? Most of my life I have felt crazy, weird, or just all around different. So, I dove into myself. I tried to understand what made me act or think certain ways. Why did I feel lonely, sad, anxious, scared? What is causing me to lie in bed all day and not want to get up? And most of all, why did I sometimes feel like I wanted it all to end?

Depression and anxiety are scary. They make you feel out of control. Thoughts pop into your head that you don’t want to be there. It’s not fun. But, most mental illnesses are controllable.

For the past few years I had enough of my mental illnesses running my life. I finally agreed to take antidepressants and antianxiety medications, I go to therapy once or twice a week, and I actively work on my anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel like I am finally mentally healthy.

For those who are suffering from mental illness here are some tips that I have learned throughout the years:

1.  Sometimes the hardest part to overcoming depression and anxiety is admitting that you are suffering from a mental illness. There is a lot of negative stigma surrounding mental illness. Some people worry that If they say they are depressed or anxious will mean they are crazy. Trust me, mental illness is a lot more common than you think. 


2. The best way to deal with mental illness is to be open. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family about what you are feeling and going through. This helps your loved ones understand what you are going through. You may also find that your friends are going through a similar situation and may be able to relate.


3.   Surround yourself with people who care about your wellbeing. It’s very common to cut yourself off from the rest of the world when you are depressed. Most people will withdraw themselves from friends and family, this happened to me. I know it’s hard to get off the couch and go into the real world, but I promise after hanging out with your friends you will feel much better.  


4.  Practice breathing in deep breaths when you are feeling anxious. When people experience panic attacks they often hyperventilate. This restricts oxygen to your brain. The best way to relieve anxiety is to take slow and steady deep breaths in and out. If you want some tips there are tons of apps and YouTube videos that will take you through the deep breathing process.


5.   Do not be afraid of antidepressants. For years I was against taking medications. I thought that antidepressants would just make you numb. I was worried that they were going to turn me into someone I wasn’t. But antidepressants are nothing like that. If anything, they make you feel more like yourself. 


6.  Do not stop taking your medication. Often times when people are on antidepressants they will start to feel better and stop taking the medication. Trust me, this is a very bad idea. Most antidepressants have withdrawal symptoms that are not pleasant. Also, your depression can come back very quickly and very forcefully. If you want to stop taking your medication, it’s best to do it under the supervision of a professional.


7. It’s best to seek professional help. You can talk to your doctor or make an appointment with a therapist. It may take a few tries before you find a therapist that works best for you. Personally, I went through three therapists before I found the one I go to now.


8. If you are feeling lonely, adopt a pet. I recently adopted a puppy for the simple purpose of having someone else around. He is also an emotional support dog and has helped me through hard times and many panic attacks.


9. Find a creative outlet. Sometimes you just have to get all of your feelings out. You may have some thoughts and feelings that are too personal to share. Writing in a journal, painting a picture, or doodle all over a napkin are great ways to get out your feelings and anxieties.


10. Go for a walk and get exercise. When you are depressed, getting yourself out of the bed can seem impossible. Just going for a 10 minute walk will make you feel better. When you exercise your brain releases endorphins that boost your mood and make you feel good.

Please note: If you feel depressed of suicidal please seek help right away. This could be a family member, friend, doctor, therapist, teacher, co-worker, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

For more information about mental illnesses visit www.nami.org