What is mental health?
Most people would think it is just the new generations' delusions and imagination. They think mental
health is just about other people being over dramatic. This is because of the stigma, this stigma creates
reluctance and shame in seeking help, which is the reason why there are emotions that are hidden, there are
people who are afraid to share what they feel, it is because they are afraid that their feelings will be invalidated
because of the lack of knowledge of most people about mental health.
Due to lack of knowledge of mental health there are a lot of suicide attempts and deaths in the
Philippines alone. "In 2021, the Philippine Statistics Authority nonetheless reported that deaths caused by
suicide rose by 57.3 percent from 2020. Given these figures, there is no doubt that the country is in a desperate
state of a mental health crisis." This is most probably due to the pandemic. Because of our ignorance of the
importance of mental health, most people must fight silent battles; they are afraid of everything, including what
other people think. Also, stigma, discrimination, and ignorance about mental health can worsen someone's
mental health problems and delay or prevent them from seeking help. And this is something we must stop in
order to prevent further losses of people around us, particularly our loved ones, who you may not be aware are
hiding mental health problems or issues. Let us open our hearts and minds to one another in order to create a
new environment in which we can talk openly about mental health awareness. We should not turn a blind eye to
people who have these issues because there is nothing wrong with them. The mind is one of the most powerful
organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds become disturbed or
imbalanced, it affects the overall functioning of the body. It also has a negative impact on our emotional
wellbeing, work performance, and relationships. People should be conscious of the consequences of mental
illness and dedicate as much attention to maintaining mental health as they do to physical health. Mental and
physical health are intimately connected. We can only say that a person is perfectly healthy and well when both
are in balance.
Eventually, if we are conscious of the importance of mental health, we may be able to assist those who
are experiencing mental distress. The most important thing anyone can do for themselves is to accept help.
However, the stigma prevents people from seeking help. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of or
stigmatized. When mental illness is treated in the same way that other illnesses are, more people will have the
courage to seek help and improve their lives. By raising awareness about mental health issues, we can reassure
those who suffer from mental distress that they are worthy of care, understanding, sympathy, and pathways to
hope, healing, recovery, and fulfillment.