In the past few years, I have found mental illness has been a term largely avoided in conversation, and this has built a huge stigma against those suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental diseases. What’s worse, mental illness is only brought up when the news draw our attention to it, but then the conversation quiets until the next tragedy happens.
It’s time for the conversation to continue. Instead of waiting for the next tragedy, we need to be open about mental health and about the struggles that come with mental illness and treatment. We need to develop an environment where people feel comfortable to seek the help they need instead of concealing it.
It took a long time, but I am now open about my anxiety and depression. I am open about my taking medicine to treat my mental illness. I am open about the struggle of finding the medicine that works. I encourage everyone to do the same. Be honest and open with your conversations about mental health. The more comfortable people are with these conversations, the easier it will be for the conversation to continue. A continued conversation will lead to more ideas on treatment and more ideas on how to give help to those who need it.
We have the ability to help those we love and break the stigma around mental illness and change the idea that it’s something that needs to be cured. Mental illness can actually affect anyone, impacting one out of every four people.
In short, let’s keep the conversation about mental health and mental illness open. Be sure to check up on your friends, and be open about the importance of mental health. If you’re uncomfortable, share your story, which may let others know they are not alone. Just as Albus Dumbledore said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Therefore remember to turn on the light.
【小题1】What does the underlined word “stigma” mean in Paragraph 1?| A．consumption | B．shame | C．status | D．invasion |
| A．Humorous | B．Serious | C．Supportive | D．Cheerful |
| A．To introduce how the author’s mental illness have been cured |
| B．To tell us how important a comfortable conversation is. |
| C．To tell people what a bad experience the author once had. |
| D．To encourage those people with mental illness to talk about their problems. |
| A．It’s good to talk with those lonely people. |
| B．People have a tendency to ignore mental illness. |
| C．One’s happiness can cheer up others in low spirits. |
| D．Care and sharing may help those with mental illness out. |
| A．Shine a light on mental health |
| B．No conversations on mental health. |
| C．No tragedies caused by mental illness. |
| D．Seek ways to cure mental illness. |
