I think that everyone here has heard about the word “Mental illness”, in the past, I think each of you guys might have been sad or angry because having conflict with family members or your friends or whatever, you can be like that some hours, or some days or even weeks and then pass.But do you know that when a person gets a mental issue, that will be a totally different thing.Because now, it’s referring to a wide range of conditions that affect your mood, thinking, and especially your behavior.As a teenager, and I know that not only me, but many people as my age were once recieved criticism from people of the previous generation that the today’s young generation is too mentally vulnerable.But I want to oppose those statements because each generation has its own sufferings, and we cannot compare the criteria of the previous generation with this generation.Mental illness isn’t just an issue in Australia; it’s a global concern that affects people of all ages.The World Health Organization WHO has estimated that nearly 1 billion people in the world experience mental issue.This staggering number shows that mental health issues are a widespread reality, not limited to any one age group or culture.”
There are many reasons why people get mental issues.For example, adults often face stress from the pressures of work and the responsibilities of daily life, such as paying bills or taxes.This constant stress can lead to anxiety, loss of motivation, and a decline in both physical and mental health.On the other hand, children can also be affected, especially if they experience violence from parents or go through the trauma of a parental divorce.These experiences can cause them to become depressed and struggle with their mental well-being.And do you know that, mental issue is one of the main reason leads to the most death, because individuals struggling with mental health issues often experience thoughts of suicide.Peter Scazzero, the founder of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, captures this reality in his quote: “When we deny our pain, losses, and feelings year after year, we become less and less human.We transform slowly into empty shells with smiley faces painted on them.”Thisquote highlights the danger of suppressing our true emotions and suffering in silence.When we deny our pain and pretend everything is fine, we are actually harming ourselves, leading to a deterioration of our emotional and spiritual well-being.Teenager age is a period that easiest to get mental issue due to the changing in physical and psychological.Therefore, as a young person living in this generation, we have to recognizing the impact of mental illness and try to avoid it.For someone who is having issues related to mental health, here is some advice that I got from the professor of mental health, number one, put down your phone and go outside.Regular physical activity will help you to improve mood and cognitive function, the use of phone just make you feel worse.Number two, have enough sleep, some people will choose to stay up late but trust me, sleep enough will help you feel better and help to improve your overall health.Number three Practice Mindfulness, by avoid rash judgments, and focus on the positive.And lastly, seek for help when you are in need.Those are the things that would help you to get rid of mental disorder and remember, no one can help yourself except you
As a community, we must engage in mental health education, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations.Let’s make Villanova College a safe space where everyone feels comfortable and freely to expresses their feelings and seeking for support when they are in need.Prioritizing mental health can improve academic performance, strengthen relationships, and build resilience among students.By supporting mental health initiatives, we create a compassionate environment where everyone can thrive.It’s important that we challenge stigma and foster a culture of empathy and understanding.Together, we can make Villanova College a supportive place for all.Remember, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.