Mental Health and Its Awareness: A Step Towards Understanding

Mental health is often overlooked in a world that emphasizes physical health and appearances. We're constantly reminded to "eat right," "exercise," and "take care of our bodies," but mental well-being doesn’t always get the same attention. Yet, just like our bodies, our minds need care and attention to thrive. As World Mental Health Day approaches, it's a perfect time to pause and reflect on the importance of mental health awareness—because mental health struggles are real and can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or success.

The Silent Struggle: Mental Health is Real

We live in a society where physical health takes the spotlight, and mental health often hides in the shadows. Yet, so many of us experience mental health struggles—whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. You know, it’s like we’re constantly putting on a brave face for the world, but on the inside, there’s a whirlwind of emotions we try to suppress.

My Story: Overcoming Depression and Seeking Help

A few years ago, I went through one of the darkest phases of my life. I was diagnosed with depression, and it wasn’t just mild or moderate—I was experiencing severe depression, where thoughts of self-harm and even suicide began to take hold. It was terrifying, and I felt like I was losing control over my own thoughts and emotions. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t fight this alone.

I opened up to my parents and told them exactly what I was feeling. I even asked them to take me to a mental health professional because I realized that seeking help wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was necessary. There is absolutely no shame in seeking professional help for mental health issues.

I started seeing a psychologist, and together we worked on a treatment plan. My journey didn’t require medication, but it was still tough. The process involved significant lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and meditation. Through these sessions, I learned how to manage my thoughts and emotions, and gradually, I began to heal.

It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but it taught me the importance of mental health awareness and acknowledging when we need help. Healing begins the moment we reach out and accept that it’s okay to not be okay.

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Understanding Depression: What I Learned

As I began to recover, I realized that depression isn’t something that follows a straight path. It’s not as simple as moving through specific stages. Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a complex condition that can vary from person to person. It doesn’t always look the same, and it doesn’t progress in a linear way. Some people experience it in short episodes, while others may live with it for a longer time. The severity of the symptoms can also change—sometimes it’s mild, sometimes it’s moderate, and sometimes it’s more severe.

Here’s what I've learned about the diffrent levels of depression and how it can look in different people:

Level 1: Mild Depression

·  People may feel more irritable, anxious, or down and experience low energy, but they can still get through their day-to-day life. They might lose interest in things they usually enjoy, but it doesn’t significantly impact their ability to function.

Level 2: Moderate Depression

·  At this point, the symptoms start to feel harder to manage. There’s more difficulty concentrating, persistent sadness, and people may withdraw from activities or social interactions. It can start to affect daily routines, such as sleep patterns and appetite, but they can still get by with some effort.

Level 3: Severe Depression

·  People may struggle just to get out of bed, feel completely overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness, and have trouble seeing a way out. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide can also occur at this stage. This is the point where intervention is required.

The thing about depression is that it’s not always predictable. It can come in waves, and the intensity can vary. Sometimes people may feel fine for a while, only to be hit by an episode of depression again later on. What’s most important to understand is that the symptoms can be different for everyone, and how depression affects you might look different from how it affects someone else. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize it for what it is and get the support you need. So, if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms—please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone.

It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

If there’s one thing I want to emphasize today, it’s this: It’s okay to not be okay. Mental health struggles are real, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. For the longest time, I thought I had to have it all figured out, that I had to be this "perfect" version of myself to fit in with what others expected. But over time, I’ve learned that true peace comes from being kind to yourself, accepting where you are, and seeking help when you need it. No one has it all together 100% of the time, and that’s perfectly fine.

We often look at people around us and assume they’re fine because they seem to be "going through life" without missing a beat. But here’s the truth: You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. We all wear masks in different ways—some hide stress, some hide pain, and some hide a constant battle with their own thoughts.

So, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that it’s okay to ask for help, to talk openly, and to prioritize mental well-being.

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Breaking the Stigma: A Call for Compassion

There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, especially in cultures where vulnerability is often seen as weakness. We’ve all heard the judgmental remarks, whether it’s, “Just get over it,” or “You’re just overthinking.” But mental health isn’t something you can just "snap out of." mental health struggles are not a personal flaw—they’re physiological, emotional, and psychological issues that require care and treatment.

While the stigma has been slowly breaking down, it’s still there. People might be understanding when it comes to physical health issues, but when it comes to mental health, it can still feel like a silent battle. That’s why World Mental Health Day is so vital—to remind people that mental health is just as important and needs to be taken seriously.

Practical Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Here’s what works for me, and I hope it might help you too:

1. Check in with yourself: Ask yourself, “How am I really doing?”

2. Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" and protect your mental space.

3. Talk it out: Lean on friends, family, or a professional.

4. Take breaks: Whether it’s five minutes or a weekend getaway, make time for rest.

5. Practice gratitude: Focus on the small things you’re thankful for to shift your perspective.

You Are Not Alone: Here’s How I Can Support You

One of the most powerful things I’ve learned on my own mental health journey is the importance of not being afraid to reach out. There’s no need to struggle in silence. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or alone, I am here for you. You don’t have to go through this by yourself.

Whether you need someone to listen, someone who understands, or someone to offer support—you can reach out to me. I’m here to help. Leave a comment below or feel free to DM me on my Instagram handle, @scenariooflife. Together, we can start the conversation, break the stigma, and take steps toward better mental health.

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A Final Thought: You Matter, Your Mental Health Matters

As we approach World Mental Health Day, let’s make a commitment to care for our minds just as much as we care for our bodies. It’s okay to have bad days, to need help, and to not have all the answers. Healing is a journey, and we don’t have to walk it alone.

You deserve to feel at peace—both mentally and physically. Let’s break the stigma, share our stories, and support each other in our mental health journeys. No one should feel alone or hide their struggles. It's time to normalize conversations about mental health, just as we do about physical health.

So today, tomorrow, and every day—take care of your mind as much as you care for your body. After all, mental health isn’t a destination, but a lifelong journey. You are not defined by your struggles, and you don’t need to face them alone.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! 😊

With love,

Preeti