GUEST EDITORIAL -- 6 reasons you should take mental health seriously

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of judgments.

As a result, many people do not say anything and hope that their mental health issues just go away, which usually is not the case.

Here are six reasons why you should take your mental health very seriously:

Your situation may not improve. Your anxieties and fears can be extremely difficult to manage and more than likely you will need some help. Just as you talk to your doctor about your regular health, you should not be embarrassed in seeking help for your mental health. If left untreated, your anxieties, fears, and depression could get worse.

Drugs and alcohol just make things worse. Drowning yourself in your career and job doesn’t work either in the long run. Many people have said that drugs and alcohol will only add more misery to your situation. Be smart and learn how to cope with your mental health issues by talking to a qualified professional.

Avoiding your problems does not work. Eventually, you will have to confront your fears and mental health issues. Save yourself the time and heartache and confront your problems now rather than later. You will save months or even years of suffering by getting help right away. The sooner you get assistance the faster you will start getting some relief.

Many people struggle. Everyone deals with fear, stress, and anxiety in one’s life, whether your friends and others care to admit it. In addition, do not be embarrassed that you are getting help. We all learn new things from others, and learning how to manage anxieties is no different. In addition, your goal is to get your life back on track and not to get everyone’s approval. If people start asking questions, just say you’re dealing with stress and leave it at that. Most people can relate to dealing with stress and will more than likely stop bothering you.

You have a variety of options. There are mental health support groups, organizations, and counselors who can help get your life back on track. Talk to your doctor to get details on where to go for assistance. Help is available, but you must be willing to make the choice of getting better. Remember that every problem has a solution; you just have to make the effort to find the answers.

Do not make the mistake of doing nothing. Many people have struggled with anxiety and addiction, who tried to ignore their problems. As a result, some struggled daily, and eventually became very distant and unresponsive. Some lost their lives. Do not let this happen to you!

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve mental health. For more information, visit www. managingfear.com.