A letter from the editors,
Mental health is an issue that impacts millions of individuals every year, yet despite the relevance, it tends to be a topic avoided in discussions. As a Roar staff, we are working to break the stigmas around mental health issues and cover stories that deal with this difficult topic.
We strive to write articles that matter.
The article below is the starting point for a section we are working to develop thoughtfully and purposefully, regarding mental health. One of our staff writers has decided to share her experience with mental health to help people through this tough time.
Mary Holohan, Jordyn Young and Olivia Austin
Dear anyone who is struggling with their mental health,
I struggle with mental illness, specifically anxiety and depression, and quarantine has not been an easy time for me.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an order to stay home until May 15. While community wide participation in social distancing can help prevent the spread of physical illness, it can also cause or worsen mental illness.
Studies conducted during past epidemics strongly suggest that social distancing has negative mental repercussions.
Quarantine can be extremely troubling for individuals that struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other pre-existing mental illnesses due to the inability to see people who matter to them. The lack of regularity in schedules can also worsen these conditions.
Some people have never experienced mental illnesses until now, and suddenly experiencing these symptoms can be scary and concerning.
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder at the age of 8. Last year I was also diagnosed with mild depression. The way I cope is by being with people. If I don’t have to be alone with my thoughts, I don’t have to face my issues head on. This works really well when I can see my friends every day, but, as we all know, that is not a possibility right now.
Coping methods can include journaling, listening to music and going outside. In some cases, though, self-soothing just doesn’t cut it. This is the reason that mental health professionals are here for you.
Although I take medication to manage the symptoms of my mental health conditions, seeing my therapists has been the most helpful. I have two mental health professionals that I see regularly and while I cannot go see them, they are both offering virtual counseling. Being able to talk to a professional during this period has been extremely helpful because I am discovering new ways to handle my negative self talk, rather than hiding from it. As soon as I find myself actually thinking about the root of my anxiety or thinking about why I feel insecure or upset, I become overwhelmed and try to escape. Without my friends, I can’t escape it. I have come to the realization that ignoring my problems will not fix them.
Although this has definitely been a trying time for me, I have learned that I am allowed to let myself feel, even if it is difficult. I also have learned that I put too much value in how the people around me are feeling, rather than basing my decisions on how emotionally capable I am to handle the situations I put myself in.
Not everyone can be someone else’s emotional support all the time, and that is more than okay.
I want everyone who reads this to know that you are most definitely not alone. When you are physically alone, it can be difficult to remember that there are people who genuinely are there for you. I truly understand this feeling. I am sorry.
If you don’t think you need a professional, but you just need someone to talk or vent to, I am beyond willing to help.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. I have faith in you.
Emma De Mey
If you want to talk to someone about an experience with your mental health, fill out the following form to contact author Emma De Mey.
