If we have a troubling physical symptom, most of us will consult a doctor. But if we have a mental health problem, no matter how severe, relatively few of us will seek help. We’ll convince ourselves it’s “not that bad,” that it’s all in our head or that we’re just “being weak.” People in our lives, even well-meaning loved ones, may urge us to “get over it” or “snap out of it.”
However, mental health issues can be matters of life and death and should be taken seriously. What’s more — they disproportionately affect women; one in five in the United States experiences a mental-health problem like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an eating disorder each year.
This fourth-annual May Day initiative is intended to point you toward healing and reassure you that you’re not alone. If you’re suffering from poor mental health, you deserve peace and happiness — and help is available to aid your recovery.
There’s no shame in crying “mayday,” so don’t be afraid to break the cycle of suffering. Defy the stigma, and get started on the path to wellness. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
