But you don’t look sick’
‘You look fine to me’
Invisible illnesses are hard to explain. If you fractured your hand, people around you can see the cast. They realize you are in pain and constantly show support. However, if you are suffering from mental illnesses, an illness whose symptoms are not visible externally, it is hard for people around you to understand and connect with what you are going through.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people suffer from depression globally. Yes, it’s that common. Despite the high prevalence, there is very little focus on the importance of a healthy mind. One of the important reasons for this lack of awareness is the stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illnesses that are socio-culturally constructed. There are hardly any walkathons or ribbons in support of depression. People choose to suffer in silence, hoping that one day it would go away, than face insensitive banters and whispers about it.
Depression is a serious illness. If ignored, it could not only be a threat to himself/herself but also to the society. Unresolved depression causes aggressive behaviors such as violence towards family members and involvement in anti-social behavior. Typical symptoms of depression include – feeling sad most of the time, lack of sleep, change in appetite, weight loss or gain, lack of interest in hobbies, feeling worthless or guilty and recurrent suicidal thoughts.
That is the reason I have decided to start HYM. I feel the urgency to give mental health the importance it deserves in one’s life. To give people suffering from depression a place where they feel supported and understood. I recommend taking WebMD’s free confidential health check to know if you are clinically depressed. If you are, know that you are not alone! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think you need someone to talk to about your mental illness.