In the hallway of a rural area high school, there is a young boy, wearing long sleeves in August to cover the scars on his arms. The boy put the scars there himself, but doesn’t want anyone else to see for fear of being mocked. This young boy battles depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder every day, and on top of it all, gets brutally bullied for being slightly overweight, “too ugly,” and he even gets bullied for taking part in the things he loves, like singing and theater. False rumors are spread about the boy every day, and people believe them. People stare as if the boy is a three-headed, scaly monster, but he’s just a child. The boy goes to his first class of the day. There are classmates pulling the young boy’s hair, and throwing different objects at his face. The boy weeps, and tears fall from his eyes as his teacher enters the classroom. Upon seeing the boy crying, the teacher asks to see him outside the classroom. The teacher, wearing a gray blouse, an olive green cardigan, and a pearl necklace looks at the tattered and broken child, and says to him, “Man up and stop crying, or get out of my class.” The boy was heart-broken. The teacher saying that to him, is similar to if she told someone in a wheelchair to get up and walk.
Have you ever considered the possibility that those around you, the ones that most exemplify jubilance, the ones with the most dazzling smiles, could be battling demons in their minds each and every night? These demons, who have voices louder than war horns, which make no sound, violently tear through the happiness of someone you know. The same people who know exactly how to lift you out of a tough time while making you laugh, could quite possibly be the same person who’s eyes can never dry at night.
Mental illness is very real, and it’s time we start acknowledging it.
Life with depression and anxiety is often bleak, bland, and numb. Depression can take one’s everyday feelings like joy, excitement, and even sadness, and turn them into bitter nothingness. Although people experience depression differently. Some will always be in a negative mindset, whereas others may not feel emotion at all. It’s that sense of emptiness is draining. When in this mindset, the longing to feel any emotion again aches, but it’s that cluster who would rather stay in the same mindset, rather than ask for help.
In some instances, these people, and their difficult lives go unnoticed, and are forced to do the one thing that seems to make sense at the time: Suicide. The word “Suicide” can be terrifying. Many families and friends have lost loved ones to suicide, and others may have come close to the act themselves. According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, over 47,000 lost their lives to suicide in the year 2017, and over 1,400,000 total attempts were made to take one’s own life. Suicide is also the second-highest cause of death in America throughout the ages of 10-34, being upended in number by unintentional injury or accident leading to death alone. 90% of suicide victims show some sort of symptom of mental illness.
Mental illnesses can take many forms, such as: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, and even schizophrenia.
There are many ways in which mental health disorders can develop. Perhaps one of the most common causes is trauma. Trauma can be anything from being bullied in school, to physical or sexual abuse, or even mental or emotional abuse. Many cases can be traced back to an individual’s youth. Children who have been physically hurt, or emotionally and even literally abandoned by an adult in their life, will have a higher liklihood of developing a type of mental health problem. The LGBTQ+ community has a common cause to rally around when it comes to mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 38% of lesbians, homosexuals, and bisexuals suffer from a mental illness. From that statistic, it is possible one could infer that maybe mental illnesses can form from something as simple as lack of acceptance, or lack of nurturing.
How can citizens make a positive impact on those around us, and send reinforcements to those who may be silently battling?
Look at yourself, and look at what makes you smile, and give those positivities to others. A shining smile is a treasure beyond value to those in the darkness. If you see somebody sitting alone, and if you can muster the courage, ask to join them. If you notice somebody getting harassed, step in appropriately, and change the course of action. If you witness somebody with tears in their eyes, listen and ask what they need within your realm of influence. Some people struggling will seek wisdom, and comfort from those around them, yet others may just want somebody to sit with them quietly. The fact of the matter is this: Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
You can make a positive impact.
Be kind. Smile for those who may not be able to do it for themselves. Selflessly extend compassion, ruthlessly eliminate hate, and display generosity. Let your friends know how much they mean to you, and how you appreciate them. You never know what could happen. You could save somebody’s life, and be unaware of it. It truly is the little things, that have the potential to make life sweeter than sugar.
If you are struggling with a mental health crisis, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Or you can check out other nonprofit organizations like To Write Love On Her Arms. You do not need to fight alone.
