I was scrolling through Instagram today and I came across a post that made me pause and reflect. It was a simple post with drawings, featuring a side by side comparison of the response from others, when one has a physical pain vs. mental pain: “When I hurt my back” vs. “When I had depression.” Under the first heading of the back injury, there were flowers, a get well soon card, and sentiments that reflected understanding and empathy.
Under the other heading it simply read “silence”. I wasn’t going to include the picture of the post, but I may as well (see below). I will also include the number of likes under the post, so that you can see that it appears that many people seem to agree.
Anyway, it made me wonder: Are people still that uncomfortable with the discussion of mental health? Is it still taboo?
I don’t know about you, but in the past I have had my bouts with depression, some periods lasting longer than others. It plagued me and impacted my life in many areas. As I reflected on this post and that period in my life, I recalled how uncomfortable and sometimes upset some people were around me, whenever I expressed or exhibited signs of depression. I remember how isolated their reactions made me feel and how hurt I was that those who claimed to love me, would be so apathetic to my pain.
To some, it was as if I had said or done something terribly wrong or offensive. I was looked upon as weak and attention seeking. I was even told “I don’t believe in that psychological nonsense”. With others, it was obvious that it made them feel uncomfortable, to the point where their only response was silence.
However, if I shared that I had a headache, or felt physically ill with a cold or flu to the same individuals; I would be given lots of advice about what to do to feel better and there would be genuine concern. That was something that I never understood and it hurt a great deal. The way I see it, pain is pain, no matter the source.
The caption below that Instagram post is right, it is “time for change”! Mental illness is a real thing whether some believe in it or not. It is not cause for apathy, discomfort and especially silence. It’s a terrible thing to allow your discomfort to add greater pain to those who are already fighting a battle with an invisible enemy.
Unlike a wound or broken bone that you can identify with your eyes or through lab tests, mental health exists in the mind. But, just because you can’t see depression/mental illness, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Picture yourself blindfolded and fighting a battle everyday with an enemy you can’t see. Imagine all the hits and wounds you would sustain daily and how hard it would be to carry on with your daily routines with a smile on your face.
Now, imagine a child who has experienced trauma and is suffering with depression but has to cope with everyday life, school and loved ones who don’t believe in mental health. Just like a broken bone, or physical ailment, depression must be treated. It doesn’t just go away. That child or adult is in pain and needs to be treated as such, not ignored.
That’s the best way that I can describe what it’s like having depression. So, now that you have that picture in your mind, the next time the subject of depression or mental illness comes up, please remember that silence makes a person feel more isolated. A kind word (especially from a loved one) let’s them know that they are not alone. That will give them the courage to fight another day.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and is thinking of suicide please contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 .
Till next time,
Drea
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