“Be Kind”. Mental illness is a global crisis that impacts both the world we live in and the millions of individuals who call Earth their home. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 615 million people worldwide, which is close to 10% of the total population, suffer from clinical anxiety and depression. To put this into perspective, 10% of the global population is actually more people than the combined population of the United States and Canada.
It’s time to acknowledge the importance of mental health education, especially in our school systems. While we may see suicide prevention hotline posters in high schools, there is a lack of emphasis on educating children and youth about their own mental well-being. Teaching healthy coping mechanisms, training our brains and thought patterns, and stress management should be integrated into our curriculum. It’s time to end the stigma surrounding mental health and start treating it with the same importance as physical health.
The story of Sergei, a young man who struggled with major depression, anxiety, and PTSD, sheds light on the impact of untreated mental illness. Sergei faced a lifetime of trauma and abuse, leading to his battles with mental health. Despite efforts by his adoptive parents to seek help, the lack of adequate mental health resources in Iowa posed challenges in his treatment.
Sergei’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and supporting those struggling with mental health issues. Mary, Sergei’s mother, shares valuable lessons from his life, urging others to ask for help, build others up, avoid drama, and find joy in small moments.
Let’s honor Sergei’s memory by promoting mental health awareness and advocating for better access to mental health resources. By being kind, understanding, and supportive of those facing mental health challenges, we can collectively work towards a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
