Over the past few years a lot of attention and publicity has been drawn towards to depression, bi-polar and other mental health issues due to the internet, television and celebrities that suffer from these conditions. Some would say that these conditions and their suffers never had it so good; but in terms of public reactions and perception, I feel it would be more accurate to say that it's never had it so bad (sneering remarks, disbelief and hostile reactions.)
When bipolar sufferer Kerry Katona had her mental breakdown on morning television it was mocked, sneered at and vicious remarks were tossed at her. Was this because of her condition 'bipolar'? It's something that seems to be everywhere these days; perhaps people are tired of hearing about it? Or, was she mocked because of her celebrity status? Either way the media had a field day and if you're sat at home, feeling the way Kerry does whist simultaneously hearing your friends jesting about her/witnessing the reactions she received from the public, you aren't exactly going to admit that's how you feel, are you?
One in five people suffer from depression in the UK; and out of the five, only two are likely to seek professional help and ask for support - but what about the other three who just suffer in silence? More importantly why don't they raise their hand and ask for help? Woman are more likely to be treated for a mental health problems than men, a statistic that ties in with another one: that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. Why do people feel they have to endure this without getting any support? Probably because they fear being seen as weak and don't want to be subjected to ridicule.
There's a horrid stigma attached the phrase 'mental health problems.' Undeniably the attitude towards it has drastically changed for the better over the last decade; people are more aware of it now and see that it is a real health issue - you could go as far as to say it's a disability. But there are those who aren't understanding; that pass judgement or mutter the words 'he/she needs to just get on with it.' To those people I ask this: would you tell a cripple to get up and walk?
Such a bold comparison will likely provoke negative reactions and cries of protest from some people. If a person is crippled its not something they can help or simply get over; and you're right, it isn't. It's a horrible affliction but so is depression. Just because it doesn't manifest its-self through physical symptoms does not mean it doesn't affect your daily life. It can cripple you mentally; leave you bed-bound for weeks, months. A sinking feel that leaves you limping from one crisis to another.
As someone that suffers from depression I understand first hand how it can impact your life. There are days when I'm unable to leave my flat; days when the thought of venturing out into the big, bad world fills me with such terror I want to hide under my covers like a scared little boy for hours on end. I, much like a lot of people that suffer from depression, seldom discus how I feel, mainly because I'm scared of the reaction I'll get from my friends and family. Sure, my nearest and dearest are willing to help and they do offer me support; but how do you tell someone that loves you that the first thought that stomped through your head this morning was one that related to suicide. How do you make people understand that, sometimes when you're feeling low, looking at knife paints a series of really bad, tempting and dangerous ideas. How does one form the words to describe that without being branded 'dramatic' or crazy? Some people will possibly see these 'issues' as little more than an unhealthy helping of self-pity. Let me assure you, it's not that at all.
No one wants to feel like that; no-one wants to endure that constant paranoia and nagging voice of self-doubt. So why do some people believe that it's all in your head? Possibly the way its portrayed in the media. When you're famous any incident or health condition is obviously magnified by the media but its having a drip-down effect and those every day people that suffer from it are being mocked and met with disbelief. So why are we still getting these negative reactions? Is it born out of contempt for the famous? These conditions aren't exclusive to celebrities. Yet the public view seems to be that depression/bipolar is mainly a fashion trend adored and adopted by the famous: "You're nothing without a little bipolar, darling."
Around 4,400 people commit suicide each year in England - that's one death every two hours. The self-harm statistics for the UK are also alarmingly high. In fact, we have the highest rates in Europe: 400 per 100,000 population. These facts and figures are standing in a crowded room screaming at the top of their lungs and are just ignored and brushed off. The internet has opened up a gallery of photos and stories about self-harm, depression and bipolar, yet they are still branded as a mere trend. Maybe a better view to have is this: When someone self-harms or talks about suicide maybe they reckon that it shows they're unhappy; lets people notice physical signs of their struggle. Yet what reaction are they met with? They're branded attention seekers. Well, did it ever occur to you that the reason they're seeking attention is because they're in pain?
Depression, bipolar, self-harm... all of them have always been around; it's ironic that you see more people suffering from them yet the conditions seem less real. Publications and the media exploit high-profile suffers in order to sell copies and the public reaction tends to be mocking. So, what hope is there for unknown, average person who suffers the same affliction? If you think the ordinary sufferer is likely to be more respected and believed then you're being horribly naive.
These are complex and hideous conditions, yet people always find away to belittle the mentally ill. Is it not about time we stopped rolling our eyes when someone, famous or not, mentions their mental health condition? As right now it seems to be that you're damned if you do talk about it and damned if you don't.
