WHEN A MAN’S HOUSE BURNS DOWN
……..before the flames spread to your house, it is easy to stand on the outside and watch another man’s house burn down…
A long time ago a man’s house caught fire. He screamed at the top of his voice for help from his neighbors. As the flames leaped eagerly and consumed the dry thatched roof, the man’s neighbors ran out of their own houses and stood by watching his house burn down. They started screaming at the top of their lungs and called everyone to come and see. Everyone kept waiting for the other to move first and bring a bucket of water. No one brought the water. The house was built from reeds, clay, and grass so the fire consumed it and burnt it to ashes quickly.
Today, another man’s house is on fire. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions are common, yet they remain covered in stigma and misunderstanding. Every 15 minutes, someone dies from committing suicide all around the world. More people die from suicides than they do from accidents. Before the flames spread to your house, it is easy to stand on the outside and watch another man’s house burn down.
We talk about mental health, see the social media posts about it, and hear the heart-breaking stories about the impacts of mental health conditions but most of us seem to be frozen in place. We hear the constant cries, but no one knows how to help. The fire is consuming this house quickly and everyone ought to bring a bucket of water to help put it out. How can we help?
Breaking the stigma
You might not know this, but there is so much stigma associated with mental health. People associate mental health conditions with being crazy and this stems from the fact that most people misunderstand them and create immediate judgment on those who are struggling. We can learn more about mental health by educating ourselves on the different conditions and their impact. Educating yourself helps you to provide a safe space for people to talk about their mental health with you with no fear of judgment.
Support those in need
Support someone who is struggling with their mental health. This can be done in many forms such as donating to organizations that advocate for mental health, or lending a listening ear when someone is trying to tell you about their life. Encourage professional help and offer to assist those who need help by accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, regularly checking in with them, and reminding them that you are always available. Offer support to the families of those who have loved ones experiencing or struggling with their mental health. They will often not talk about their loved one’s struggle due to fear of stigma but support them in any way you can.
Our role as a society
Currently, It is difficult to obtain mental health services and support for many people, especially in schools and workplaces, We need policies that promote mental health care accessibility. Workplaces and schools should provide safe and inclusive environments where people feel accepted and valued regardless of their mental health status. These places should not be centers of toxicity. Organizations that provide mental health support and services should be supported through our donations and willingness to volunteer because our contributions can make an impact.
Take good care of yourself
You are important. You matter. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, much like asking for assistance when you are ill. Be kind to yourself, accept help when it is offered, and lean on others when you feel like life is overwhelming. Your life matters to us, it matters to the people you love.
When your neighbor’s house burns down, you do not stand by and shout for other people to come and see. You run, pick up your bucket, and bring water to extinguish the fire. You hope and pray that the people who heard your shout come with buckets of water too so that together you can put out the fire before it spreads to your own house. So many people are bringing their water buckets to help. Today, I decided to add my support to theirs by bringing awareness to mental health. I hope you find it in you to carry a water bucket today to help douse the fire. Let us do everything within our power and ability to help and support the mental health cause.
