A few days ago, I was having a deep conversation about life with a friend of mine, and how it’s like being a teenager. The first thing I thought about was mental health, and how people my age are suffering from mental health issues, yet others are using mental health as a trend without even knowing how to define it correctly. Well, the first question that came to my mind was: “What is the real definition of mental health?”
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as, “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. Well, mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities, it’s not only about avoiding active conditions; but also more about looking after happiness and wellness. According to the WHO, mental health includes our emotional psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is IMPORTANT at EVERY stage of life from childhood to adulthood. There are more than 300 types of mental illnesses, some are classified as severe mental illnesses and others are stated under the less urgent illnesses category. Some of the most popular mental illnesses are: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, which is all stated under the most popular category of mental health disorders “Anxiety Disorders”.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the Gen Z community, and most suicidal thoughts are caused by mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, food disorder…etc. Seven out of ten Gen Zers most likely reported experiencing symptoms of depression; pre-teens and teens have the highest rate of suicide ideations as compared to other age groups, mental health is as important as math, science, history, or any other subject, and it might be more important than any of these subjects. That’s why it should be taught in school since school is where students spend the majority of their waking hours. Mental health isn’t something you can joke about, or use to gain sympathy, and no you can’t use depression or any other kind of mental illness just to be on the same page as your friend who’s really suffering from real mental disorders. Let’s be a little bit more mature and understand how serious this is, and for all the parents out there I’m begging you to check if your kids are mentally stable because taking your kid to a therapist isn’t something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, you have to be proud that your child is recovering from struggles, unlike the friends who are committing suicide, because of the same struggles your child is suffering from, and no you don’t really know your kids, and you don’t know what they’ve been through, and what they’re going through. Last but not least, schools must play a big role in spreading awareness, especially during exams, us as students experience multiple types of mental issues during exams, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and the pressure during exams to get higher marks just not to be a “DISAPPOINTMENT”; which makes no sense at all.
Finally, mental health awareness should be continuous. The world needs to know that mental health matters, it’s just as important as physical health, and I wish we all could acknowledge that not just in words; but also through actions. For anyone that’s hurting I hope you know that you are not alone, and please know that there’s no shame in seeking help.
