TW: Mental illness, suicide, depression, mental health.
This week, being the 5th of September to the 11th, is ‘National Suicide Prevention Week’ and as a result I will be doing my bit to spread awareness and reminders. Suicide is often a taboo subject, but the reality is the more we talk about it the more likely those experiencing suicidal thoughts are to talk about their experience rather than acting on their thoughts.
Something that has become more apparent recently is the idea of looking after our mental well-being. Not too long ago this was unthought of and subsequently the recognition of mental health is an immensely important subject and a message that cannot be undermined. This being said it is essential that we as a society recognise and understand the difference between managing your mental health and managing your mental illness.
First and foremost, lets look at the definition of both mental health and mental illness and see how they differ. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have a comprehensive definition of mental health as the “state of wellbeing in which the individual realises [their] abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitful, and is able to [contribute] to [their] community[1]”. In comparison, Mental Illness (Also referred too as a Mental Disorder) is defined as a “condition that affect your thinking, feeling, mood and behaviour… [which] can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day[2]”. Fundamentally, and simply put, we all have mental health, we don’t all have mental illnesses/disorders.
The reality is that it is one thing to care for your mental health, by going for long walks, watching the sunset, and reading. It is a completely different thing to look after ones mental illness. Caring for ones mental illness can include, taking medication, going to therapy, managing panic attacks and so on. They are not the same.
Like previously stated, we all have mental health, and it is so important to manage it and take care of it, but this is not the same as managing ones mental illness. As a result, it is vital that we understand and appreciate that it is okay if sometimes a face mask and a bath does not make it all better. Things that help us care for our mental health will not cure ones mental illness, and this must be understood clearly. For example, telling someone who may be suicidal to just exercise a little more, get some fresh air, or read a self-help book, may be a little insensitive, and undermine the magnitude of their illness.
Simply put, we should all be caring for our mental health, but please be kind to yourself or others if these tips and tricks being shared, regarding mental health, do not cure your mental health. Be kind to yourself and others and reach out if you ever need any help.
---- Hope Turner, Guest Blogger (@lawbyhope, 3rd Year LLB Student, University of Kent)
