by Peta Ealing Cameron

Created on: May 20, 2007   Last Updated: November 05, 2009

The discussion of mental health often conjures up, for some people, a scary vision. A vision that is often not easily and fully understood. Mental health is in general terms, the state of a persons mind today.

Mental health is as important to enjoying a full and happy life, as is your physical and emotional state of being. It is a very important factor in the happiness of all people in the world today. It is a subject which requires great sensitivity when approached.

Gaining progress with anyone suffering health difficulties in this area can be slow if not correctly nurtured and cared for. Discussing issues relating to ones thoughts and behavioural patterns, can for some, send shivers down the spine.

Others may find the thought of raising the question simply a definite taboo. You know, the out of sight out of mind theory. This concept originating in the past and one, which I believe constantly, requires reviewing.

This generation of people have definitely changed their thoughts on addressing the greater problems today, which is with those requiring help in this area. If we stopped and reflected on where all the gibberish gossip about madmen and lunatics came from in the first place, we would see that ignorance plays a large roll in this discussion.

Almost all of us would recall watching old movies and reading stories where the villains were branded completely insane for committing atrocities that no sane person would dare to commit.

Of course in the real world, a Court of Law refers to these people as the criminally insane, making it obviously clear of the need for control to keep our society a safe place to live.

Those suffering any form of mental illness to any degree in generations gone by, have not only often suffered unduly, but friends and relatives of the person involved, were frowned upon by society. Often left carrying the heavy cross of stigma, which leeched, into the community at the time.It is difficult to believe that in this day and age, with all our new insights and technologies, that there are still those who are totally uneducated about mental illness.

It seems it has taken a couple of generations of young people with various substance abuse problems in their lives to shake the cart of realization. Let us face it, some people, just won't deal with it unless it slaps them in the face. People are only human after all, and fear is usually the one of the biggest factors for ignorance.

Today those that are faced with various physical illnesses that require medications will happily take it to improve their health. Those with diabetes would not shirk at taking insulin when it gave them a better quality of life not to mention a life full stop.

Those suffering heart difficulties are comfortable in taking pills, which ensured safety of their health.

I have known many different people throughout my life. Some suffered from emotional or mental breakdowns through their own self-abuse, others at the hand of another, and some just through loss, crisis or grief.

Only when we become educated to mental health do we discover it is not the end of the road? With the much needed care and help, it can be the beginning of a wonderful healing journey of the mind and soul.

If you, or someone you know and love in your life needs assistance, don't ignore it, do the right thing. Open your heart as well as your mind and seek medical advice. You never know, you may just save a life.

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