Most people are happy to go along to the doctor with a sore throat or a pain or flu symptoms — we know that much of the time an antibiotic or a stronger pain killer can help us to feel better.
So why is it that when we feel mentally unwell — down in the dumps, or even worse, feel like there is no point in going on — that many people do not go to their doctor and seek help? As important as our physical health is, it is sometimes even more important to look after our mental health.
However this is often put on the long finger and many people have mental health conditions that go undetected throughout their lives. This can be detrimental to both the physical and mental health of the person feeling the symptoms and to that of the people close to that person.
It can sometimes be hard to encourage those you love to seek help for conditions of a personal nature. People often feel embarrassed at not being in control of their mental health — more so than of not being in control of their physical health — and this is a stigma that needs to changed. It is a mindset that has stuck with people down through the years and it is not relevant in today’s society. People suffer from mental health problems for many reasons. We live in a very stressful and busy world with more pressures on young people than ever before.
Some people are born with a condition while others develop it after time or after a traumatic experience, but the bottom line is we have no control over it until we do something about it. Left undiagnosed, it can be extremely destructive and leave a person wondering who they are, as they are unrecognisable to themselves.
Being this low is not healthy for anyone. But the answer is to go and see your GP and get some help. A GP can recommend medication, a councillor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist — whatever they deem relative to a person’s symptoms and feelings.
It is always better to check out a condition than to leave it develop or worsen. A minor feeling of dismay can grow into utter despair and this can lead to psychotic or erratic behaviour, which will never have a happy ending.
Sympathy
I would like to offer the sympathies of the Advertiser staff to our journalist, Angela Doyle, who lost her sister Lisa tragically last week. Lisa was a beautiful girl who did some modelling for the fashion pages of the Kilkenny Advertiser over the years. She will be desperately missed by her family and friends. Her untimely death leaves a huge void in the lives of those who loved her.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
