Let's End The Silence

By Andrae Hayden

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES SUFFER IN SILENCE?

Many people suffer in silence because they fear how people will react, or look at them when they express how they feel. They are afraid that their thoughts will seem weird or abnormal. Others feel that no one could possibly understand how they feel so it would be a waste of time and energy. Then some people feel like they would be a burden to others if they share their problems. It is more comfortable to shut people out. It is easy to say “I’m ok” when you’re not. When you shut people out, it is less likely for them to judge you or hurt you. People are much more outspoken and critical now days. In past generations, people weren’t as publicly critical and outspoken as they are today. That makes it even more difficult to freely express yourself, especially when you already have mental struggles. Social media and other platforms have given people a voice and some people just don’t express things in the most positive way. So many people are ready to tear others down, rather than help to build them up.

If more people were encouraged to speak out about their feelings and challenges, it would aid in emotional healing while also encouraging others to speak out. Together we can heal. Sometimes people need to hear that its ok to live day by day, as-long-as you live. It’s ok to have struggles. Every person is fighting some type of battle.It’s ok to fall, as-long-as you get back up. As long as you fight to push through. It takes support, it takes encouragement, it takes strength……To end the silence. Will you sit by silently, or will you join the fight to end the silence?