Why are Teenagers/Adolescents afraid to open up about their mental health?

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO STRUGGLE IN SILENCE"

        

 As an adolescent myself, I have always felt and have seen personally that communicating about mental health is considered shameful in Indian Society. Individuals with mental illness want nothing but to be understood but only seldom do individuals stand up to correct the ligature that Mental health is not being sad, self-conscious, sad songs, or dark rooms, it is much more than that. The main reason why a sole doesn't communicate about their disturbing inner world is that they are considered "weird" and therefore, They get left out. Mental illness is like making jokes so others feel the joy you're unable to, It's giving motivational speeches to others when you feel totally lost in the world, It's going to work and fulfilling all your obligations but falling apart when you come home, It's being the life of the party when you feel empty inside. It takes alot of courage to open up about mental health - but those who do often feel like a burden and anticipate that others would be better without them. 

When they do try to share about what they are going through with their family and friends,  They often come across comments such as "Stop being such an attention seeker", ''You're so ungrateful'', "Kids don't have depression" and so on. Then would you think someone would share their problems if we react like that? Of course not. All they want is to be heard, Someone who would just listen to them and not make any hurtful remarks like that. 

 

Rather than that, It is also essential for one to communicate about their mental health. Imagine you're holding a glass of water, If you hold it for a minute, it's no problem. If you hold it for a day, your arm will feel numb and paralyzed. The weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes. Mental illness is similar to the glass of water. If you keep it all hidden in your beautiful mind, It starts disrupting the grasses of your inner world. 

You can always open up with your parents, Teachers, Counselor/Therapist, close friends, etc. If possible you can share your thoughts on Social Media, And communicate about it with like-minded individuals. Always remember that you are not alone. Believe in your heart and soul that you are capable of big things in your life. The only thing that is standing in your way is yourself, Remove your glass ceiling as when you start taking care of yourself, you start feeling better, you start looking better, and you even start to attract better. It all starts with you. 

I would like to end my spiel with a beautiful quote by Mae west 

                                                     "YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT                                                                                      ONCE IS ENOUGH"

                                                                                                                        By- Vaanya Badhwar

                                                                                                                                  Grade 8

                                                                                                                             Billabong High                                                                                                                                            International School