Today is the official day which the United Nation’s World Health Organisation has dedicated to raise awareness of the existence of mental illness.
Unlike breaking a leg or a more commonly known medical condition such heart problems or cancer mental health can rarely be diagnosed through scientific tests.
Many think it is an excuse, a lie used to manipulate situations or a good way to get paid sick leave from work. There might be cases of people abusing the system but this is something real.
It is a serious illness which can be deadly mainly for the sufferer but sometimes there have been cases of people committing mass shootings, especially in America.
Not recognising these conditions, making them worse by othering those who come out and talk about it is not good.
Being a bully and causing people to suffer because of your attitude is not good either and this sort of attitude can worsen or even trigger episodes of mental illness.
Stockholm hip-hop rapper Lorentz wrote a really catchy song called ‘Demons’ in which he talks about fighting inner demons. Unfortunately I was unable to find a music video for it but this is the link to the song on Spotify
If you wish to share a story on mental illness and difficulties experienced surrounding it feel free to leave a comment below or write in private via the contact form.
Today more than ever, don’t be afraid to express yourself
// Part of the #EspressoYourself campaign //