Submitted by: Valeria Lopez, Community Health Educator

“Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.” – Unknown

As time progresses and information is accessible to everyone, more and more people break the taboo and lose their fear of talking about their feelings. In every mental health class Esperança provides, at least one participant always ends the class saying, “I was going through that, and I didn't know it” when talking about anxiety or depression.

Talking about mental health has been essential for people to learn about different diagnosis, what each condition is, what it feels like, how to identify symptoms and signs and what they should do regarding these issues. However, depression, anxiety, and stress are topics that many people still feel very uncomfortable speaking about. There have been great improvements in the area of mental health, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

People tend to say that everything is fine until ultimately their emotions start getting out of our control, keeping them from being functional or productive, even completing the most routine daily tasks. If the signs or symptoms you have been feeling are keeping you from getting out of bed, performing your everyday routine, or stops you from enjoying those things that previously filled your heart or used to be fun for you, it is suggested that you seek professional help.

Is crucial for everyone to promote and advocate for mental health. Every one of us have gone or will eventually go through a mental breakdown at some point in our lives. Yet, for some reason we still feel ashamed to talk about it and seek the appropriate help.

As humans, we live based on emotions and there is nothing wrong with feeling them and seeking professional help when needed. Failure to receive adequate treatment, in some cases, can lead to health complications, accidents or even suicide.

Mental health is essential to having a good quality of life. Let’s help each other work together, fight against the stigma and help each other (and society) understand that the need for emotional support should not be foreign and should not be judged.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, join us and be part of the fight against the stigma, to generate compassion, empathy, and the aim to not judge others. Help our cause to create a healthier community in which everyone can feel accepted.