Five Mental Health Topics the Media Has Brought Into the Spotlight
Mental illness is often overlooked or misunderstood, mostly because people lack knowledge about the various conditions that affect mental health. Since about one in four of us will experience some form of mental health issue in our lifetime, it’s important to shed light on these matters. Even if you’re not directly affected, odds are you know someone who is.
Although the media sometimes gets a bad rap for sensationalizing stories, it has played a crucial role in educating the public about mental health through TV shows, radio programs, and newspapers. Here are five mental health issues that have benefited from media attention, helping to raise awareness:
1. **Depression**:
People often misuse the term “depressed” when they’re simply feeling down, similar to saying they’re “starving” when they’re just hungry. True depression, however, is much more severe, making individuals feel hopeless and drained of energy. Advising someone with depression to just “snap out of it” is not only ineffective but also dismissive. Watch for symptoms like insomnia, spending excessive time in bed, anger, despair, frequent crying, emotional numbness, and changes in eating habits.
2. **Dementia**:
Alzheimer’s is the most known form, but dementia can come in various types and isn’t limited to the elderly. It causes significant distress to both the sufferer and their loved ones. Symptoms go beyond occasional forgetfulness and include inconsistent daily routines, confusion, and behavioral changes. While the disease isn’t curable, treatments can slow its progression and reduce symptoms.
3. **Bipolar Disorder**:
Formerly known as “manic depression,” bipolar disorder involves dramatic mood swings. Sufferers alternate between extreme highs—characterized by elation, hyperactivity, and unrealistic grandiosity—and severe lows of depression. These mood swings are exhausting for both the individual and their close family members. Medications can help stabilize mood swings, though some people prefer not to use them because they miss the overly happy feelings brought on by the mania.
4. **Anxiety**:
We all get anxious from time to time, and it can even be motivating. But for some, anxiety is so overwhelming that it hinders their daily life. Overwhelming feelings of panic and dread can create a cycle of escalating fear. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication can be very effective in managing anxiety. Practices like yoga and meditation can also help people control anxious thoughts.
5. **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)**:
OCD can manifest in many ways but consistently traps sufferers in repetitive actions meant to provide a sense of security or wellness. This might mean repeatedly checking if doors are locked or adhering to rigorous cleaning rituals. Extreme cases can dominate one’s life. CBT and well-managed medication plans can provide relief.
Media coverage has certainly made us more familiar with these disorders, fostering better understanding and compassion for those affected. Just as we wouldn’t fault someone for wearing a cast on a broken limb, we should extend the same non-judgmental attitude toward those with mental health conditions. Understanding and empathy not only make it easier for people to seek help but also promote a healthier society overall.
