Let’s Put Spectacles on Mental Health

Understanding Mental Health!

Almost every day, we come across heartbreaking news about someone who has taken their own life, or someone who has made an attempt. These stories are often shocking, but when we look closer, a common thread is revealed: struggles with mental health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 people die by suicide each year, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. 

In fact, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. These are not just numbers. They are lives -mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, each with a story that ended too soon.

Let’s face it: nearly every suicide attempt or death is linked to a mental health condition, whether diagnosed or not. These include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. The truth is, 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health disorder, yet access to treatment remains low, especially in lower-income communities. It also remains misunderstood and people end up being labeled as "Crazy".

It’s time we all join in and bring mental health into focus, clearer, closer, and with compassion.

Let’s Put Spectacles on Mental Health

The Isolation of Mental Illness

One of the most devastating aspects of mental illness is how isolating it can be. People struggling often feel invisible. Many describe the experience as being surrounded by people, yet feeling completely alone. They suffer quietly, unsure of how to express what they’re feeling or afraid of how others will respond.

This isolation is often rooted in stigma. Mental illness is still, in many cultures and communities, treated as a personal weakness rather than a legitimate health concern. According to a 2022 study by the American Psychiatric Association, over 50% of people with mental illness don’t receive treatment, often due to stigma, fear, or lack of resources.

Why "Spectacles"?

The metaphor “putting spectacles on mental health” is about improving the way we see the issue. We need to view mental health with the same clarity and importance we assign to physical health. Glasses help us see what’s been blurry, and mental health, for too long, has remained out of focus in public conversations.

We need to correct our collective vision, to notice the signs of suffering, to understand what mental illness really looks like, and to respond with empathy and informed support.

How Can You Help Someone Who’s Struggling?

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. You just need to care and act with empathy. Here’s how:

• Listen Without Trying to Fix
  People don’t always need solutions - they need understanding. Just being present can be a lifeline.
• Know the Warning Signs
  These can include withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep or appetite, expressions of hopelessness, irritability, or talking about death or self-harm. Recognizing these signs could save a life.
• Encourage Professional Support
  Therapy and counseling are proven to help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Avoid Dismissive Language
  Saying things like “just cheer up” or “you’re being dramatic” only deepens shame. Choose words that affirm and support.
• Follow Up Regularly
  Don’t let it be a one-time conversation. Ongoing support can build trust and make the person feel less alone.

What If You’re the One Struggling?

If you are facing mental health challenges, please remember: you are not alone, and your life matters. Many people live with mental illness and go on to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Reach Out
  Talk to someone you trust. It could be a friend, family member, counselor, or support line. In many countries, helplines are available 24/7.
• Mental Illness Is Treatable
  Conditions like depression and anxiety are highly treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Recovery is real, even if it takes time.
• Build Healthy Habits
  Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness can all contribute to improved mental well-being. While they’re not cures, they help form a strong foundation.
• Don’t Wait for a “Breaking Point”
  Early intervention leads to better outcomes. If you notice changes in how you think, feel, or behave, seek support sooner rather than later.

If you notice signs of a potential mental health concern, reach out and get assessed. Seeking help early is always safer and more empowering than waiting until things escalate.

Let’s Look Again—This Time More Clearly

Putting spectacles on mental health means changing the way we see it - from confusion and stigma to clarity and understanding.

It means recognizing that:

1. Depression is not sadness - it is a medical condition.
2. Anxiety is not nervousness - it is an ongoing, often debilitating disorder.
3. Seeking help is not a weakness - it is a courageous act of self-preservation.

It also means advocating for change: more education in schools, better workplace policies, stronger community support networks, and more funding for mental health services,

Mental health is not a side issue. It touches every part of life - from relationships and productivity to physical health and self-worth. Ignoring it only deepens the problem.

A Collective Responsibility

We all have a role to play - whether by supporting others, checking in with ourselves, or challenging the systems that ignore mental well-being. Let’s commit to seeing mental health more clearly, and treating it with the seriousness, care, and compassion it deserves.

So, let’s put on the spectacles—because once we see better, we can do better.