May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Awareness Month is upon us, and mental health is something that a lot of folks don't really think or talk about. A lot of people are afraid to take care of themselves mentally, either due to shame, fear, or belief in a myth about seeking help. Taking care of your mind isn't like taking care of a wound or a sprain, there's no splint or over-the-counter medication that will help you achieve good mental health.

Courtesy of Mental Health America

And unfortunately, there's a ton of people who let their problems get worse and worse. Together we can change that. Here are some myths that should be dispelled about seeking mental help.

"I don't have it that bad."

This is probably one of the most common responses people use to justify not seeking help. They will tell themselves they are fine, or that other people have it worse than they do. They believe depression has different variables for different people. They also believe seeking help might make them weak because it's “just a small problem.” Telling yourself these things is one of the unhealthiest things you can do. If you need help, it's okay to ask for it. Depression is something no one should have to deal with alone. Let people help you, okay?

“My problems are something I can just get over.”

Mental problems are not something that a good jog and some fresh air will magically fix. Despite what others may tell you, severe depression or problematic tendencies in one's life will become more self-destructive the more you ignore it. While mental health may not be a physical thing, taking care of it as soon as possible is important to keep one's life on track. If you ignore a bodily pain, you don't ignore it, otherwise it'd just get worse. So, why don't we treat our minds the same way?

“Therapists just want to get me on drugs."

I know psychotropic medication is a scary and controversial topic when it comes to mental health. However, professionals within the mental health field do not automatically resort to drugs. Helping someone through traumas or serious mental blockage is a complicated and steady process. The professionals in the mental health field chose this profession because they wanted to show people that someone actually cares about their mental well being. They will usually go through every other option before resorting to drugs.

“Kids can't have depression."

This is another major myth that needs to be repeatedly dispelled. Mental health problems don't care about any differences in age. Kids can be depressed or have suicidal thoughts just like adults can. It doesn't matter whether the root cause is a cruel boss at work or some bullies in high school. People should not discourage kids from finding help due to their age.

These are just a few of the many myths that people believe when it comes to seeking help. We here at OCN encourage people to reach out to others and help them find the proper care they need, when they need it. For more information on various mental disorders such as depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, and more, please visit the Mental Health America website.

If you or a loved one suffers from suicidal tendencies, then call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Let's remember to take care of each other and oursevles! Stay safe, Colorado.