Why do people avoid talking about mental health?

Mental illness is one of the most common health conditions; yet, unfortunately, the most stigmatized. As a society, we have come a long way, but we still have a lot of work to do to normalize the importance of mental health. 

Despite the prevalence of mental illness and the likelihood that it will impact you or someone you care about, an existential stigma is still leading many to denying, minimizing, or ignoring a mental health concern. People may belittle you, call you crazy and weak, just for being vocal about your situation. Can you relate?

It’s OK not to be OK

Nothing in life is perfect and neither is our mental health. Your mental health needs care just like your physical health does!

Unlike what most people think, Depression isn’t a weakness or a character flaw. It is not a matter of being in a bad mood, as if a depressed person would easily snap out of the condition within a blink of an eye. Depression has rather been linked to biological and environmental factors that are beyond a person’s control. Depression is a common, serious, and treatable condition. However, people may not realize that there are numerous ways to treat mental illness effectively because of the stigma that surrounds mental health sufferers—and you can easily live a normal lifestyle by learning how to manage mental health symptoms.

Statistics about mental health

According to the World Health Organization, over 300 million people worldwide live with depression.
Depression is common in people of all ages, races, gender identities, and socioeconomic status. According to the 2017 report from the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects approximately 17.3 million people in the United States.
And in 2018, the CDC reported that approximately 1.9 million children (ages 3–17) in the U.S. have been diagnosed with depression.

Gut Serotonin and Mood

For those of you who do not know what Serotonin is, serotonin is a very popular neurotransmitter in the brain that is often referred to as the feel-good-hormone as it’s responsible for your mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire. Although it is primarily associated with the brain and mood in popular science and psychology, the majority of serotonin is produced in the digestive system.

90% of serotonin found in the body is produced in the intestines.

What??? So, can what you eat affect your mood? The answer is YES! What you eat matters. There is a reason our stomachs are sometimes called our second brains. Serotonin is an important chemical and neurotransmitter in the human body that helps regulate your mood. Fast food contains an excess of Omega-6 and trans fat that ultimately disrupt the chemical balance of the brain. This alteration can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental issues. According to a recent study by Harvard Health Publications, they found that individuals who eat a Western diet (full of greasy food) are 25-35% more likely to suffer from depression as opposed to those who follow the Mediterranean diet that is composed of healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats have a 25% – 35% lower risk of depression.