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21% of U.S. adults experienced some kind of mental illness in 2020, according to NAMI. This is about 52.9 million people and represents 1 in 5 adults. The topic of mental illness is often difficult to discuss openly for many people. Mental healthcare sometimes carries a negative stigma, steering people away from expressing themselves. With these mental health issues becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s world, we must move mental health to the forefront of conversation topics and have transparent discussions about how we are truly feeling. Daisy, also known as @georgewasalsotaken on TikTok, shares four mental health issues that are common among many people, but just aren’t talked about enough.
Trichotillomania, also called hair-pulling disorder, is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hair pulling from the scalp can result in patchy bald spots, which can contribute to social anxiety. The compulsive urge is a way of dealing with stress, anxiety, tension, boredom, loneliness, fatigue, or frustration.
Derealization is a mental state where you feel detached from your surroundings. People and objects around you may seem unreal. Derealization sometimes can be a symptom or reaction to severe trauma or stress, and the most common event that can trigger derealization is emotional abuse or neglect at a young age, according to Web MD.
Depersonalization occurs when you persistently or repeatedly have the feeling that you’re observing yourself from outside your body or you have a sense that things around you aren’t real, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disorder is common in people who’ve had traumatic experiences. This can lead to feeling emotionally disconnected from the people you care most about.
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations. It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can continue into adulthood. Selective mutism affects about 1 in 140 young children, according to NHS, and can be caused by post-traumatic stress, but there is no single known cause.
By not talking about mental health, we add to the stigma that surrounds it. Stigma also can lead to a reluctance to seek help or treatment. Mental illness is treatable, and people with mental illnesses can live fulfilling, and happy lives. We must do more to help our friends and family by supporting them. Having more conversations about mental health will spark the initial action.
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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