Does this Blog Post title intrigue you at all – or maybe confuse you?  Let me explain.  Inspired by a quote by American singer, songwriter, and actress Demi Lovato, “just because you can’t see mental illness like you can see a broken bone, doesn’t mean it’s not as detrimental or devastating to a family or an individual.” Lovato has been open about her own struggles with mental health, so she knows the impact firsthand.

As a society, we don’t think twice about talking about or treating broken bones – or heart disease, diabetes, or other common illnesses. Yet, when it comes to one of the most important organs in the human body – the brain – or it’s state of well-being, we tend to shy away, make false accusations, perhaps even resist seeking the help needed. Mental health is equally as important as physical health. Mental illness is equally as challenging as a physical illness or injury – and can sometimes go hand-in-hand in one leading to another. 

Mental illness is often downplayed as a choice. Does anyone choose to have diabetes or cancer or heart disease? No. Neither do people choose mental illness. It’s a complex and multifaceted issue, and there are many truths about it that often remain hidden or misunderstood. It doesn’t always show itself in a way that others can easily detect. People often expect mental health struggles to be visible in the form of physical symptoms or behavior changes, but many people suffer silently. In fact, there may be no outward markers at all, which can make it difficult for others to understand the depth of the struggle.

The stigma around mental illness remains pervasive. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their struggles because they fear judgment or discrimination. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can prevent people from seeking help. Even well-meaning individuals may unintentionally perpetuate harmful stereotypes by offering oversimplified advice like “just think positive” or “snap out of it.”

In its complexity, no one knows what others may be battling internally. In a quote from acclaimed actor-comedian, Robin Williams, “I think the saddest people do their best to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and depressed.” He also said, “all it takes is a beautiful smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are.” An injured soul – what an impactful statement! Being broken – secretly, beneath the pain. And that a beautiful smile can hide it all.

He later, just prior to his own suicide, said “if you’re that depressed, reach out to someone. And remember, suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary problem.” It can be temporary, but only if we do better at understanding the truths of mental illness and help reduce stigma, encourage more open conversations, and ultimately create a more supportive environment for all affected.

The shocking facts are that 1 out of every 5 American adults suffer from some form of diagnosable mental illness. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24, and the second leading cause of death in college students ages 20-24. A shocking 54.7% of adults with mental illness do not receive any mental health treatment – and it jumps to 59.8% of youth.

To go back to the original thought, just because you can’t see mental illness like you can a broken bone, does not mean it’s not there; nor does it mean it’s any less devastating on those suffering from it or their families.  Let’s treat brain health and mental health, which are interconnected, like we would a broken bone – with attention, care, treatment, healing, and love.

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