It’s World Mental Health Day And I Can Relate

Today, October 10th is World Mental Health Day.

As a kid, mental health didn't really mean that much to me.  Not because I didn't care but because I didn't know anything about it.  I was just like most people and really unaware of the issues and forms of mental health.

I have a mentally challenged uncle that is in his 70's but mentally he is only 4.  I never realized that wasn't normal as a child because he was my uncle and I loved him.  It was what I was used to.

I would always defend him if people made fun of him and was very sensitive of his feelings as well.

As I grew older, wiser and became more and more aware of the many different issues of mental health, I have an even bigger tolerance.

I first became aware of the many issues of mental health when I myself was diagnosed with 'Hyperactivity Disorder'.  The Dr explained it as 'a whole lot of energy that never goes away'.  That was true.  I'll deal with it but at least I know why I'm like I am now.

As time went on, I realized that my disorder was also the reason that I could never focus in school or why I'm easily distracted.  I also discovered that it was a form of ADD/ADHD which, is a form of mental health.

I am actually one of the fortunate ones that don't need medication and it's easily controlled and doesn't really cause any issues in life, work or social activities.  Actually, my disorder is what has helped me in my radio career because I am able to channel my distractions easily with music and entertaining.

There are many different forms of mental health and some are not as bad as what we tend to think when we hear mental health.  Some are actually worse.

Depression, PTSD, Manic Depressive, ADD, OCD and the list goes on and on.

People may suffer from a minor case or a major case and you may never know it.  Look at me, if I didn't tell you, would you know that I was considered to have a mental health issue?  No.  No you wouldn't because it's not what people think of.

Do me a favor and rethink about what you might say to someone or how you judge them....whether or not they have a mental health issue or not.   You never know what someone is dealing with.

HERE is the website that you can visit that will help explain and even help those that may be in need and don't know what to do.

Everyone needs to talk to someone.