Allow us to introduce ourselves- we are the Wellness Warriors! We are a team of students at the University of North Texas dedicated to spreading awareness about mental illness and the resources available to help.
This issue is close to our hearts as we each have a personal connection to someone who has struggled with mental illness, or have struggled ourselves. The truth is, "450 million people worldwide suffer from some mental health condition at any given moment – and 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness in the course of a year" (Mental Health Collaborative, n.d.). Mental illness is a highly prevalent issue, but the stigma attached to it makes for a topic that is inadequately discussed. It is important to inform, remove stigmas, and provide resources to those in need to promote a happier, healthier community.
Mental illness can affect people across demographics and through a variety of life experiences... Here are some of the stories that have resonated with us.
As parents, we want to make decisions that are the best for our children, especially their health. I know firsthand how much joy sports bring to you spiritually and emotionally. Growing up, I loved playing football, basketball, and baseball. As I think it is the best path for my sons, I can’t ignore or dismiss the new research CTE on young athletes.
In recent years, we’ve learned so much more about the dangers of repeated head trauma, thanks to research from places like Boston University. Studies have shown that many athletes, particularly those who have played contact sports, are at risk for developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that causes continuous trauma to the head. After examining out of 152 contact sports participants who died under 30 years old, 41. 4% had signs of CTE (Thurston, 2023). One story that really stays with me is that of Joseph Chernach, a young man who played football and wrestling as a child, and who struggled with depression later in life (Pyka, n.d.). His story ended in tragedy when he took his own life at the age of 25 (Pyka, n.d.). Joseph’s story isn’t an isolated case alone, and it’s something that many families across the country have faced with families who, in reflection, wished they had known more about the risks with concussion and collision sports. I’ll be honest, reading about these stories makes me cautious about the choices I will make for sons pertaining to contact sports. I want them to have every opportunity to learn all the great values in team sports, but I also want to protect them from any potential or possibly harm to their development. I want to be a parent who takes the time to understand the risks, to ask the hard questions, and to make choices that will set them up for success not just in the field, but in life. We don’t get a second chance. But we can make sure that when it comes to our children’s health, we don’t have regrets. We owe it to them to be informed, to be kind, and to be wise in every choice we make. -TN
Another common exacerbation of poor mental health in today's society, especially in teenagers, is the use of social media. At this time, 81% of U.S. teenagers use social media, and the earlier they start, the more severe its impact becomes (Mass General Brigham McLean [MGBM], 2024). Social media has the ability to create a dopamine release when a post gets positive feedback, and can even be considered addictive (MGBM, 2024). The opportunity for hateful comments, comparison to carefully curated or unrealistic subjects, and fear of missing out gives social media a negative twist (MGBM, 2024). A 2019 British study suggested that social media use is related to physical symptoms of depression such as inadequate sleep, memory loss, poor academic performance, headaches, tremors, and nausea (MGBM, 2024). I have experienced firsthand the addictive and mood-altering effects of social media in my adult life, and have been using social media accounts since they started gaining popularity while I was in high school. The youth of this time have had the unique experience, though, of growing up surrounded by social media usage. It has become a societal norm to be enmeshed in social media and the long term effects have yet to be fully determined. The adolescent years are already a distinctly vulnerable and insecure time without online influence. I empathize with the teens that feel the weight of this seemingly inescapable exposure. As preteens and teens increasingly turn to the internet to find validation, companionship, and interests, we must take the steps to prevent and mitigate the negative effects. By becoming more mental health literate, we can increase awareness of the symptoms of poor mental health in online teens and get them help as they need it. -MT
Mental illness affects veterans in many ways, and two of the most problematic issues are social isolation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Greenwalt 2022). Veterans that experience social isolation usually have been involved in some type of military related trauma such as wartime conflict or may have been injured in a training exercise while serving on active duty. This can cause trauma for the veterans when they are released from the military because they are ineligible to serve. This is where mental illness sets in and the veteran can experience physical and mental issues such as losing touch with friends they met while serving on active duty, and at the same time they are unable to relate to civilians or the civilian lifestyle. Although social isolation is a complex issue that many veterans suffer from, there are several resources that are available like the National Veteran Homeless Support (NVHS) (McElhinny 2021). This organization provides many resources and offers programs to help veterans to obtain and sustain a better way of living.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another challenging mental illness that veterans experience from serving on active duty during a wartime conflict or possible injured during a training exercise. However, there are services and programs to help veterans address this issue. The YouTube video below shares a story about a soldier who experienced PTSD after serving in a wartime conflict. Once he returned home and he couldn’t escape the trauma he experienced on the battlefield, so he went through therapy sessions and this treatment was able to help him get better and take control of his life (Sharp HealthCare 2017). Here are some other organizations that can help veterans that are experiencing mental illness.
VA Mental Health:
-EP
Mental illness affects not only the individual suffering, but the family, friends, and community that surround them. Through her YouTube video, Meredith recounts her personal experience with her father and his fight with depression (Mental Health Collaborative, 2021). "On the exterior, my dad was the life of the party. He was a family man, active in his community, and ... loved by all who knew him" (Mental Health Collaborative, 2021). Those around Mark would never know he was suffering. Meredith's father ended his life when she was a senior in college (Mental Health Collaborative, 2021). She later remarks, "I do know that, sadly, he's one of many who view suicide as the only way out" (Mental Health Collaborative, 2021). Our goal is to help people like Mark have the resources and support they need to get treatment at the earliest opportunity as their "way out" of suffering.
Depression can happen to any of us or anyone around us. Sometimes people choose to ignore it and think depression can get better through time. It does not. It requires a lot of inner self strength and the environment around them to get better. Elders, for example, can get depressed easily when they realize they cannot do so much and feel not needed anymore.
However, there are various ways to help elevate isolated individuals: being active, positive and socialized. Two years ago, my grandma experienced a stroke and since then, she has changed. She could not talk anymore, and one side of her body got weak. Therefore, she became grumpy for not being herself and no one could understand her anymore. My family tried to make her feel better and we noticed she loves getting out of the house either going for a walk or going to the doctor, so being “attentive” helps. Rehabilitation works well, “Rehabilitation can help with movement, speech, strength and daily living skills. Stroke rehabilitation can help you regain independence and improve your quality of life.” (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Being patient, positive and consistent is the key. Studies have shown that “compared to people with lesser depressive symptoms, people with greater depressive symptoms appear to appreciate their lives more when they meet their need to belong” (Steger & Kashdan, 2009). Even when people do not show it, they love to be close to their loved ones.
“Everyone has hard days, so don’t be tough on yourself. If you notice that you might be falling into any of these depression traps, you’ll want to take action to shift course and do things that boost your mood” (Soong, 2024). -VN
Mental health affects us all, yet the stigma around it often keeps people suffering in silence. I know this pain too well – my great-grandpa battled silently with mental illness, and the weight of that struggle led him to take his life. He never felt he could share what he was going through and that silence cost him everything. This campaign is about breaking that silence, ending the stigma, and fostering a world where people feel safe to ask for help. By donating, you’re not just supporting mental health awareness- you’re helping to save lives. Let’s work together to create a future where no one feels like their only option is to suffer alone. -RP
You might be wondering,
"how can I get involved?"
We are raising funds for the Mental Health Collaborative, a non-profit organization whose mission is to "decrease [mental illness] stigma, increase knowledge, and give people the skills they need to flourish" (Mental Health Collaborative, n.d.). This organization creates mental health literacy programs and makes them available to schools, communities, and organizations (Mental Health Collaborative, n.d.). These programs provide information on how to achieve good mental health, teach members how to recognize mental illnesses and find treatment, enhance help-seeking efficacy, and work to decrease the stigma that comes with mental illness (Mental Health Collaborative, n.d.). The funds raised through this GoFundMe will be directly distributed to MHC for the formation of these indispensable programs.
Your contribution makes a difference! Join us in our campaign to promote mental health awareness. In our efforts, we are #StrongerTogether!
References
Grenawalt, T. A., Lu, J., Hamner, K., Gill, C., & Umucu, E. (2022). Social isolation and well-being in veterans with mental illness. Journal of Mental Health, 32(2), 407–411.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.2022625
Steger, M. F., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009).
Depression and Everyday Social Activity, Belonging, and Well-Being. Journal of counseling psychology, 56(2), 289–300.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015416
