Bell Let's Talk Day was today. This annual day encourages ongoing discussions of mental health. This year the topic presented the stigma surrounding people who ask for help. While the conversation and understanding in society has improved over the years, the fear of repercussions from revealing a personal situation is very real. Not everyone chooses to understand this as a medical condition. Comments that show an unwillingness to accept these real medical diagnoses can be heard regularly, and in turn, these comments add to the hesitation to step forward to present symptoms to a medical professional, friend or family member. Several mental health first aid courses occur regularly to help people to find a safe space to talk about what is happening. These courses also include methods to intervene when recognized symptoms of concern are seen.
I've said many times that I would like to see the day when mental health becomes a passe term and we all speak about health. Wouldn't that day be amazing? <smile> Sometimes I've seen the term mind-body health, yet I feel that the mind is part of the body. The biochemical imbalances in the brain should be treated no differently to biochemical changes in the pancreas. To get to such ends will require improved access to care -- more counselors, broader sick leave definitions, challenging those who doubt. Days like today help the process. Current statistics suggest that 1 in 5 people will encounter this health issue in their own bodies, while 90% of people over 50 had encountered this in themselves or others. We all experience the down side of such a health issue, so why does the stigma still exist? Food for thought.
In my class this week, we continued talking about the one band that changed more than music in this world. I share two songs written and recorded by this band. Lyrics of the first selection note that open communication is necessary throughout life. This song comes from an album that introduced the concept album to the world. The second was written for a young boy after his parents divorced, yet the lyrics could be applied far beyond that, though some may be less supportive in hindsight. It was the first single on a new record label and the longest song to top the UK charts. Enjoy!
She's Leaving Home -- The Beatles (from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album)
Hey Jude -- The Beatles (Apple label)
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