Guest Author - Kelli Deister

May is Mental Health Month. Mental health is a very delicate topic within our societal social realms. There are many stereotypes and stigmas for those suffering from mental illness. If a person breaks a bone, there is no shame in seeking treatment from a doctor. However, if a person suffers from mental illness, they often suffer in silence due to those same stereotypes and stigmas. Currently, the term therapist is used when referring to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Meanwhile, there are many that use the term shrink when referring to the same doctors.

Many that suffer from mental illness do not seek help for fear of being cruelly labeled by the professionals, their family, and their loved ones. Instead, as I said earlier, they suffer in silence. There are signs of depression that you can educate yourself with, in order to help your loved one in obtaining professional help so that they can be on the road to better health. First, let me clarify that mental health doesn’t just affect one’s mind, but their physical being as well. This is due to the fact that when an individual is depressed, they oftentimes cannot function on a daily basis, which causes stress upon their physical health. On the flip side of the coin, when an individual has chronic health problems, it can adversely affect their mental health.

Some signs of depression are as follows. Many who are depressed are withdrawn and isolated. They appear very agitated and restless, as well as losing or gaining a lot of weight in a short amount of time. They seem to be in another place in their thoughts, when you are talking with them, and you have to perhaps repeat what you have said several times before gaining their attention. They can also exhibit signs of being very tired, since they are either sleeping too much or too little.

If you see any of these signs apparent in the life of your loved one, you can help them. Please take the time to educate yourselves on the symptoms of depression, as well as the results of untreated depression. For instance, if left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. Those contemplating suicide will often give early warning signs as a plea for help. Again, educate yourselves and know the causes, symptoms, and results, of depression.

For those suffering from mental illness, please do not be afraid to reach out for help. There are many in your community that can help you through this very difficult and dark time in your life. If after reading through the list of symptoms above, you realize you can identify with any of them, please consider seeking therapeutic help. The mind and body both function best when both are healthy. When one suffers, the other does as well.