The problem in our world, is no one takes mental health as seriously as physical health, or seriously at all. Phrases like “attention seeking”, and “problem child” are thrown around so often that when someone is in real need of help, they get brushed off. The suicide rate in this country could be so much lower if people took the time to listen and understand. The same can be said for school shooters. If its evident they had mental health problems, why did no one do anything??

On the other hand, people have to want to get better and want help. Just like addiction the first part to solving the problem is admitting you have one.Sometimess people dont always know there’s a problem, or theyre in denial. That’s where close family and friends need to step in and help them. Recognize the signs and symptoms and take them seriously. That person is suffering and it takes a ton of courage to speak up and say ‘hey i have a problem, hey something’s wrong please help me’. Shutting them down or brushing it off will only make them go silent and suffer alone.

As a community, and as a country we need to support each other, lift each other up. Everyone everywhere is going through something. Just be there. #1in5