Why Mental Health Deserves Our Attention
- Farah Akram Abbas
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Introduction
Maybe someone you know stops replying as quickly as they used to. Or they seem tired all the time. You tell yourself they’re just busy or maybe they say they’re just “tired.” But after a while, you can't resist pondering if something more is going on.
That’s the thing about mental health. It doesn’t always announce itself. And because we can’t always see it, we often overlook it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there. And it doesn’t mean it’s not serious.
What Mental Health Really Means
Mental health is more than just how we feel on a particular day. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, essentially, how we think, manage stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like physical health, mental health is something every person has, and it exists on a spectrum.
Some days are better than others and that’s normal. But when feelings like anxiety, emptiness, or hopelessness become constant, it can start to affect a person’s ability to function. That’s when mental health becomes more than a mood.
Why Awareness Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 970 million people globally are living with a mental health disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common.
Yet, despite how common these experiences are, stigma is still a huge barrier. People worry about being seen as weak, dramatic, or unstable. According to the American Psychiatric Association, stigma, whether it’s public or internalized, can prevent people from reaching out for the help they need.
Raising awareness is about creating a space where people feel safe to say, “I’m not okay,” and know that someone will listen without judgment.
Signs You Might Not Notice
Mental health struggles can look different from person to person. Some people withdraw from social interactions. Others keep smiling while silently falling apart. Recognizing subtle changes in behavior can help identify when someone may be struggling.
Common signs include:
Feeling sad or numb most of the time
Losing interest in things they once enjoyed
Constant fatigue or sleep problems
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawing from friends or responsibilities
If these signs last for more than a couple of weeks, it’s important not to ignore them
How to Support Someone
Supporting someone with mental health challenges doesn’t mean having all the answers. In fact, one of the most helpful things you can do is simply listen without trying to fix or judge.
Ask open questions like, “Do you want to talk about what you’ve been feeling lately?” Let them speak, and respect their pace. Avoid phrases like “just cheer up” or “it could be worse.” Even well-meant comments can sound dismissive.
Sometimes, helping means encouraging them to seek professional support. But often, just showing up, consistently and kindly, is more powerful than we think.
Seeking Help Is a Strength
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that many people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment, mostly because of fear, misinformation, or lack of access. But mental health challenges are treatable. Reaching out for help is not a weakness, it’s one of the strongest things a person can do.
Support is always available, like a school counselor, therapist, or mental health hotline, no one should feel like they have to go through their struggles alone.
Young People Are Facing This Too
While mental health affects people of all ages, young people are especially vulnerable. In England, a 2022 NHS survey found that 25.8% of 16–24-year-olds had a probable mental health disorder, up from 18.9% just a few years earlier. Stress from academics, social pressure, family expectations, and online comparison can make it feel like there’s no space to just breathe. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward changing how we support youth mental health at school, at home, and in society.
Caring for Your Own Mental Health
Even if you’re not experiencing a crisis, you can and should take care of your mental health. Here are a few ways:
Limit screen time, especially on social media
Journal or talk about your feelings
Take breaks to rest or get outdoors
Get enough sleep and move your body
Talk to someone you trust, even if nothing feels “wrong”
These small habits can lead to big positive changes.
Conclusion
Mental health is not something we can afford to ignore. It’s real, personal, and matters deeply. The more we talk about it, the more we can reduce the shame around it. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone else, remember: you don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available, healing is possible, and no one is beyond hope.
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