Mental Illness and Why It's An Epidemic

Written by Crystal Ruizmun

Mental health is an issue that is being discussed today and has been for the past decades. It is a known fact that many cases of depression and anxiety worldwide have significantly increased in these past few years. It’s an issue very close to me because it affects the state of our mind and therefore affects the state and quality of our life.

I know many people who struggle with mental health, including myself, and lowering lower illness rates is extremely crucial to the success of not only ourselves, but for the country and world as a whole.

Mental health not only affects our mental well-being, but it also affects our physical, emotional, psychological, and even spiritual well-being. It is the product of many factors like abuse, trauma, violence, and many others. Untreated mental illness can lead to harm to oneself and others. It can cause cognitive impairment which will lead through one's entire life.

It is a critical, leading factor in suicides and self-harm. We must touch on these issues because it affects the entire population and causes problems within our communities. I have personally seen what untreated mental illness and deteriorated mental health does to people and I do not wish that upon others.

I have seen the way a person slowly deteriorates and loses pieces of themselves throughout their life without getting the help they need. We must address these issues not only in our countries but figure out solutions worldwide by researching and consulting by finding more ways to treat those that desperately need help.

Some solutions involve therapies and treatments, as well as removing the stigma that revolves around mental illness. Many people go untreated because they are afraid or ashamed because of what those around them have said, especially in their environment.

Further research into herbal uses is very needed as well as many plants and fungi provide relief. Some may mugwort, ashwagandha, mushrooms and many other plants. These plants provide a boost in cognition as well as better sleep, mood enhancing and overall better brain health which does factor into a person’s wellbeing. Although there isn’t much research in a lot of holistic medicine, it is a good approach to start in nature first to work up and around more advanced medications.

We must all help to combat the mental health crisis to ensure a better quality of life for all and to help those who need it.

Written by Crystal Ruizmun from MEDILOQUY