overcoming mental illness essay

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Mental Health Essay

Introduction

Mental health, often overshadowed by its physical counterpart, is an intricate and essential aspect of human existence. It envelops our emotions, psychological state, and social well-being, shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. With the complexities of modern life—constant connectivity, societal pressures, personal expectations, and the frenzied pace of technological advancements—mental well-being has become increasingly paramount. Historically, conversations around this topic have been hushed, shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. However, as the curtains of misconception slowly lift, we find ourselves in an era where discussions about mental health are not only welcomed but are also seen as vital. Recognizing and addressing the nuances of our mental state is not merely about managing disorders; it's about understanding the essence of who we are, how we process the world around us, and how we navigate the myriad challenges thrown our way. This essay aims to delve deep into the realm of mental health, shedding light on its importance, the potential consequences of neglect, and the spectrum of mental disorders that many face in silence.

Importance of Mental Health

Mental health plays a pivotal role in determining how individuals think, feel, and act. It influences our decision-making processes, stress management techniques, interpersonal relationships, and even our physical health. A well-tuned mental state boosts productivity, creativity, and the intrinsic sense of self-worth, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life.

Negative Impact of Mental Health

Neglecting mental health, on the other hand, can lead to severe consequences. Reduced productivity, strained relationships, substance abuse, physical health issues like heart diseases, and even reduced life expectancy are just some of the repercussions of poor mental health. It not only affects the individual in question but also has a ripple effect on their community, workplace, and family.

Mental Disorders: Types and Prevalence

Mental disorders are varied and can range from anxiety and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia.

• Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and fatigue.
• Anxiety Disorders: Encompass conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and specific phobias.
• Schizophrenia: A complex disorder affecting a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.

The prevalence of these disorders has been on the rise, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Understanding Mental Health and Its Importance

Mental health is not merely the absence of disorders but encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Recognizing the signs of deteriorating mental health, like prolonged sadness, extreme mood fluctuations, or social withdrawal, is crucial. Understanding stems from awareness and education. Societal stigmas surrounding mental health have often deterred individuals from seeking help. Breaking these barriers, fostering open conversations, and ensuring access to mental health care are imperative steps.

Conclusion: Mental Health

Mental health, undeniably, is as significant as physical health, if not more. In an era where the stressors are myriad, from societal pressures to personal challenges, mental resilience and well-being are essential. Investing time and resources into mental health initiatives, and more importantly, nurturing a society that understands, respects, and prioritizes mental health is the need of the hour.

• World Leaders: Several influential personalities, from celebrities to sports stars, have openly discussed their mental health challenges, shedding light on the universality of these issues and the importance of addressing them.
• Workplaces: Progressive organizations are now incorporating mental health programs, recognizing the tangible benefits of a mentally healthy workforce, from increased productivity to enhanced creativity.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges, witnessing the effects of stress and other mental health issues on students, are increasingly integrating counseling services and mental health education in their curriculum.

In weaving through the intricate tapestry of mental health, it becomes evident that it's an area that requires collective attention, understanding, and action.

  Short Essay about Mental Health

Mental health, an integral facet of human well-being, shapes our emotions, decisions, and daily interactions. Just as one would care for a sprained ankle or a fever, our minds too require attention and nurture. In today's bustling world, mental well-being is often put on the back burner, overshadowed by the immediate demands of life. Yet, its impact is pervasive, influencing our productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Sadly, mental health issues have long been stigmatized, seen as a sign of weakness or dismissed as mere mood swings. However, they are as real and significant as any physical ailment. From anxiety to depression, these disorders have touched countless lives, often in silence due to societal taboos.

But change is on the horizon. As awareness grows, conversations are shifting from hushed whispers to open discussions, fostering understanding and support. Institutions, workplaces, and communities are increasingly acknowledging the importance of mental health, implementing programs, and offering resources.

In conclusion, mental health is not a peripheral concern but a central one, crucial to our holistic well-being. It's high time we prioritize it, eliminating stigma and fostering an environment where everyone feels supported in their mental health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of a mental health essay?

Answer: The primary focus of a mental health essay is to delve into the intricacies of mental well-being, its significance in our daily lives, the various challenges people face, and the broader societal implications. It aims to shed light on both the psychological and emotional aspects of mental health, often emphasizing the importance of understanding, empathy, and proactive care.

• How can writing an essay on mental health help raise awareness about its importance?

Answer: Writing an essay on mental health can effectively articulate the nuances and complexities of the topic, making it more accessible to a wider audience. By presenting facts, personal anecdotes, and research, the essay can demystify misconceptions, highlight the prevalence of mental health issues, and underscore the need for destigmatizing discussions around it. An impactful essay can ignite conversations, inspire action, and contribute to a more informed and empathetic society.

• What are some common topics covered in a mental health essay?

Answer: Common topics in a mental health essay might include the definition and importance of mental health, the connection between mental and physical well-being, various mental disorders and their symptoms, societal stigmas and misconceptions, the impact of modern life on mental health, and the significance of therapy and counseling. It may also delve into personal experiences, case studies, and the broader societal implications of neglecting mental health.

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16 Personal Essays About Mental Health Worth Reading

Here are some of the most moving and illuminating essays published on BuzzFeed about mental illness, wellness, and the way our minds work.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. My Best Friend Saved Me When I Attempted Suicide, But I Didn’t Save Her — Drusilla Moorhouse

"I was serious about killing myself. My best friend wasn’t — but she’s the one who’s dead."

2. Life Is What Happens While You’re Googling Symptoms Of Cancer — Ramona Emerson

"After a lifetime of hypochondria, I was finally diagnosed with my very own medical condition. And maybe, in a weird way, it’s made me less afraid to die."

3. How I Learned To Be OK With Feeling Sad — Mac McClelland

"It wasn’t easy, or cheap."

4. Who Gets To Be The “Good Schizophrenic”? — Esmé Weijun Wang

"When you’re labeled as crazy, the “right” kind of diagnosis could mean the difference between a productive life and a life sentence."

5. Why Do I Miss Being Bipolar? — Sasha Chapin

"The medication I take to treat my bipolar disorder works perfectly. Sometimes I wish it didn’t."

6. What My Best Friend And I Didn’t Learn About Loss — Zan Romanoff

"When my closest friend’s first baby was stillborn, we navigated through depression and grief together."

7. I Can’t Live Without Fear, But I Can Learn To Be OK With It — Arianna Rebolini

"I’ve become obsessively afraid that the people I love will die. Now I have to teach myself how to be OK with that."

8. What It’s Like Having PPD As A Black Woman — Tyrese Coleman

"It took me two years to even acknowledge I’d been depressed after the birth of my twin sons. I wonder how much it had to do with the way I had been taught to be strong."

9. Notes On An Eating Disorder — Larissa Pham

"I still tell my friends I am in recovery so they will hold me accountable."

10. What Comedy Taught Me About My Mental Illness — Kate Lindstedt

"I didn’t expect it, but stand-up comedy has given me the freedom to talk about depression and anxiety on my own terms."

11. The Night I Spoke Up About My #BlackSuicide — Terrell J. Starr

"My entire life was shaped by violence, so I wanted to end it violently. But I didn’t — thanks to overcoming the stigma surrounding African-Americans and depression, and to building a community on Twitter."

12. Knitting Myself Back Together — Alanna Okun

"The best way I’ve found to fight my anxiety is with a pair of knitting needles."

13. I Started Therapy So I Could Take Better Care Of Myself — Matt Ortile

"I’d known for a while that I needed to see a therapist. It wasn’t until I felt like I could do without help that I finally sought it."

14. I’m Mending My Broken Relationship With Food — Anita Badejo

"After a lifetime struggling with disordered eating, I’m still figuring out how to have a healthy relationship with my body and what I feed it."

15. I Found Love In A Hopeless Mess — Kate Conger

"Dehoarding my partner’s childhood home gave me a way to understand his mother, but I’m still not sure how to live with the habit he’s inherited."

16. When Taking Anxiety Medication Is A Revolutionary Act — Tracy Clayton

"I had to learn how to love myself enough to take care of myself. It wasn’t easy."

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2024 Mental Health Essay Contest Awardee: Gold

Tenacity Through Tumultuousness

Max, california.

For as long as I can remember, pockmarks and scars littered my body: irreparable symptoms from an invisible illness named major depressive disorder. Seemingly paradoxical, I owe my resilience to this battle with suicidality and self-harm; It is through these experiences that I connect, uplift, and challenge my community to shape a society that functions for us: a dream I strive to continue feeding.

At the age of 14, my entanglement with depression officially acquired a name. All it took was: hospitalization, IVs, six blood draws, and middle-of-the-night visits from the head doctor. My survival leads me to vouch for the validity of other teens’ mental healths – regardless of the severity or attached medical bills. On the cusp of adolescence, the only route for me to circumnavigate the stigmatization behind a diagnosis was to commit to the unthinkable–a route no one should feel forced to take. This goes to say that no matter the struggle, mental health is utterly vital to wellbeing: especially for teenagers. Yes, puberty is a difficult time, but that doesn’t negate the importance of equipping youth with the resources and courage to ask for help before it becomes too late. For me, I proudly tell my story so others can tell theirs. Baring my own healed scars, I hope others will soon, too, recognize the beauty in life’s hardships and complexities.

To uplift students like myself, I proudly serve my school district’s superintendent advisory board – a platform I utilize to advocate for my peers as well as spearhead Seity Health, an app Garden Grove Unified pilots to amplify student mental health support. With modern technology, the app layout is convenient to access via daily check-ins. However, I aim to encourage direct teacher mediation and training so our educators can better address the needs of their students firsthand. I’ve recognized my voice is crucial, empowering me to propose these ideas to the Superintendent. Through my own transparency and advocacy, I’ve encouraged students to take the leap of faith for support while ensuring adequate measures are implemented. Mental health was never a conversation for the shadows, and it’s my job as a survivor to bring its realities and resources to life.

Taking away from my past, I’ve utilized my experience to connect with similar folks to actualize change. Notably, my participation with nonprofit OCAPICA during their voter registration canvassing campaign specifically targeted the needs of community members. Over several weeks, I engaged in robust conversations with fellow neighbors door-to-door with questions such as, “Are you aware of the mental health services nearby?” and “Do you feel adequately supported?”. It was my own journey that allowed me to authentically relate to the marginalized neighborhoods in my area, opening dialogues that are essential to the functioning of support systems like OCAPICA. Compassion drives the community: through my own experience as a youth facing mental health struggle, I’ve propelled a deeper connection amongst my community through policy work and honesty.

All in all, my mental illness led me to a vital insight: in order to create future leaders, our current role models must remain cognizant of the challenges that threaten to uproot our youth.

The problem here is not mental illness; the problem here is stigmatization, lack of resources, and reduced emotional capacity that envelope already struggling adolescents. This generation’s ability to succeed is not hindered by our mental health: it is directly due to our perseverance in the face of this struggle that we become leaders.

NIH recognizes these talented essay winners for their thoughtfulness and creativity in addressing youth mental health. These essays are written in the students' own words, are unedited, and do not necessarily represent the views of NIH, HHS, or the federal government.

Page published May 31, 2024

May 2024: NIH Announces Winners of High School Mental Health Essay Contest

Dec. 2023: High School Students Invited to Reflect on Mental Health Stigma in National Essay Contest

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A Helping Hand: An Essay On The Importance Of Mental Health Parity

By: Sydney Waltner

More than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime. But not everyone will receive the help they need. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only forty percent of adults and fifty percent of youth receive the medical help they need. Even though mental illness is common and can affect anyone, there is still a great stigma attached. This stigma creates reluctance and shame in seeking help.  The acceptance and understanding of mental illnesses has come a far way from where it used to be, but improvements can, and should still be made. 

Mental illnesses should not be thought of any differently from physical illnesses. In fact, I believe the two are inseparable. Because the whole body is connected and interwoven, the two cannot be separated. The brain is an organ just like everything else in the body and can be hurt like everything else. When the brain is ill, it is not isolated in just the brain, but instead affects the whole body and the overall wellness. Substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide are very common and dangerous in those with mental illnesses. The stigma surrounding mental illness keeps people from getting the help they need to get better and causes them to hide their pain.   

For three years I was one of those people hiding my illness. I was quietly suffering from depression and an eating disorder. My whole day revolved around my eating disorder and hiding it from everyone. This caused a lot of sadness, anger, and loneliness. I not only hid it from others, but I also tried to hide it from myself. I tried to convince myself that nothing was wrong because I did not fully understand what was happening.  I did not know what was making me hurt myself and why I could not stop. As my weight was decreasing, my sadness and anger were quickly increasing. I became so mad and upset at everyone and everything. The stress and pressure of holding everything in caused me so much misery. If something small happened, it became too much to handle and I had to release it somehow. The only way I could think of to handle this was to hit myself and other things until I forgot about all my pain. By this time, it was impossible to hide my illness, and my family finally found out my deep secret.  They did not want to see me suffer like that and wanted to help. They tried their hardest to help, but they just did not know how to help me. They tried to get me to go see somebody and get help, but I refused. I was scared of admitting that I had a mental illness and that I needed help. I was worried that people would judge me, treat me differently, or even bully me if they found out about my mental illness. So, I refused to get any help.  I insisted that I was okay and could fix it myself. After a while of getting worse, my parents made me an appointment and told me I was going to get help. I remember crying and begging my mother to not make me go, but she did, and I am so grateful to her now.

For almost a year now I have been going to see a mental health counselor once a week. It took me a while to open up to her and tell her how I felt. But when I realized she was there for me and did not judge me, I was finally able to let her help me. Looking back now, I cannot believe how sick and miserable I was. I cannot imagine how my life would be if I had not received her help. I cannot express how grateful I am to her. She has changed my life for the better, I am so much happier and healthier now and look forward to living. 

Receiving help is the most important thing anyone can do for themselves. But unfortunately, the stigma keeps people from getting help.  Mental illness should not be something to be ashamed about or thought of differently. When mental illness is treated equally to other illnesses, more people will have the courage to get help and better their lives.

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Mental health: overcoming the stigma of mental illness.

False beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Learn what you can do about stigma.

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:

• Reluctance to seek help or treatment
• Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others
• Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing
• Bullying, physical violence or harassment
• Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment
• The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

Steps to cope with stigma

Here are some ways you can deal with stigma:

• Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.
• Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.
• Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.
• Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," say "I have schizophrenia."
• Join a support group. Some local and national groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offer local programs and internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people who have mental illness, their families and the general public. Some state and federal agencies and programs, such as those that focus on vocational rehabilitation and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), offer support for people with mental illness.
• Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and resources. If a teacher doesn't know about a student's disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.
• Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.

Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.

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• StigmaFree me. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Take-the-stigmafree-Pledge/StigmaFree-Me. Accessed April 25, 2017.
• What is stigma? Why is it a problem? National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/stigmafree. Accessed April 25, 2017.
• Stigma and mental illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics/stigma-illness.htm. Accessed April 25, 2017.
• Sickel AE, et al. Mental health stigma: Impact on mental health treatment attitudes and physical health. Journal of Health Psychology. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1359105316681430. Accessed April 25, 2017.
• Americans with Disabilities Act and mental illness. Womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/your-rights/americans-disability-act.html. Accessed April 25, 2017.
• Picco L, et al. Internalized stigma among psychiatric outpatients: Associations with quality of life, functioning, hope and self-esteem. Psychiatric Research. 2016;246:500.
• The civil rights of students with hidden disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq5269.html. Accessed May 2, 2017.
• Wong EC, et al. Effects of stigma and discrimination reduction trainings conducted under the California Mental Health Services Authority. Rand Health Quarterly. 2016;5:9.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, should i write about my mental health struggles in my college essay.

I've had some mental health challenges throughout high school and I'm considering writing about them in my college essay. However, I'm worried it might be seen as a red flag by admissions officers. Should I choose a different topic or is it okay to write about my mental health journey?

Writing about mental health challenges can be a deeply personal and meaningful topic for your college essay, but you're right to consider the potential implications. If you decide to write about your mental health journey, it's important to focus primarily on the growth and resilience you've demonstrated despite your challenges. Make sure your essay showcases your strengths and your ability to overcome obstacles.

That being said, it's not a topic without risks. Some admissions officers might be concerned about your ability to handle the stress of college life. So, if you have an alternative topic that reflects your personality and experiences just as well, it might be a safer choice.

Ultimately, the decision is yours and should reflect who you are and what has shaped you through your high school experience. CollegeVine has a helpful blog post about writing about mental health in college essays that may provide you with more guidance: https://blog.collegevine.com/mental-health-college-essays/. Good luck with your essay and college applications!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Seeing the Mind: A Narrative Photo Essay About Mental Health

Dependency, 2020

By Andy Maticorena Kajie

Disconnected, 2021

The Horror, 2021

The Vessel, 2021

Withering, 2021

Content warning: This article deals with suicide, depression, and anxiety

“I’m making photographs to break the stigma around depression and anxiety,” says Fabric Of Affliction creator Andy Maticorena Kajie

The sky hangs low, and slate clouds are barreling in above South Orange. Neighbors’ dogs are barking in unison as if they’re all in on some ancient secret. Either some poor cat’s on the run, or we’re in for a deluge.

Andy Maticorena Kajie appears on screen just as the skies let loose. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and is smoothly settled into his chair. Andy — who’s coming off his first solo show at Greenhive Studio in Union City and whose work explores the human condition from the bleak to the sublime — is a reserved guy. A small smile curves his lips as he speaks in a lilting rhythm, and a pair of retro square frames give his warm and intellectual presence a sharp finish. There’s a mellow enthusiasm about him, tempered by a bassy voice, which frees him to connect with people within worlds of darkness. In that realm, unflinching, Andy’s found his niche. 

Through high school, Andy faced mental health issues, and rather than shrinking from the struggle, he mined it for his work. The darkness that pervades Fabric of Affliction, his recently exhibited series, isn’t incidental. He carefully emulsifies the foggy dream of a Brassaï night scene with the edginess of today’s existential angst, not shying away from the macabre.

Often, his subjects are frozen in isolation. There’s a photo of two people on a bed, where one’s face is covered by a flowing scarf, and the other holds a bouquet of sunflowers. In another, moody and tenebristic, a scarf flows from a young man’s neck. It’s almost balletic. He titled it Noose . Intense, yes. And yet, I sense that peak Andy Maticorena Kajie that I’m to experience in our second conversation today is mountain-like, reserved. His stillness springs into full expression in pictures though, where every scene is a haunting look into the back alleys of our mind. Andy’s visual poetics show the inner world we want to forget.

He photographed much of the project with friends in New York City. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” waxes Andy, swaying his posture as rain pelts the trees outside. Though Andy grew up in New Jersey, he took a bus or train into New York regularly to make pictures, and this is where he trained his eye — taking him to School of Visual Arts over a year ago. Day by day, he’s assembling a bigger and fuller story that — if he keeps going, which he plans to — can deliver a message that every one of us feels the weight of darkness, and we can talk about it without fear or shame.

The Daring: What do you want to inspire through your work?

Andy Maticorena Kajie: I want to enable people to discuss mental struggles easily and break the stigma. The main way I want to draw people in is through beautiful images, that when looked at as a whole, create a darker narrative about the real struggle with mental health.

It happened a lot during my recent exhibition. The first night, two people walked in and they were really intrigued by the images. Then they realized what they were about and we ended up talking for a long time about mental health. About how it’s dynamic and difficult to understand and how people experience a wide range of emotions. Bringing these issues into the spotlight through conversation is the goal.

TD: You’ve said the subconscious bubbles up in your images. What’s that like for you?

AMK: My primary influence on the role of the subconscious is Graciela Iturbide. There’s a great interview with her and Ted Forbes on The Art of Photography YouTube channel, where she talks about how the subconscious shows up in her images. She has a series of self-portraits, and in one, she’d found a dead bird in her house and then bought a live one from the market and put them over her face. That image of hers is very well known. It’s called Eyes To Fly With . But she doesn’t really understand why she does things like that. She lets her intuition guide her.

She’s the reason one day, I decided to pick a random object and start taking photographs of it. And that’s how the scarf came to me. That’s how I found the scarf to be the most useful and aesthetically pleasing. Movement attracts me, and having the ability to make an object move as fluidly as a scarf drew me in before I started thinking about the implications of using it as a metaphor. It also turns out to be a really versatile tool when creating images about mental health.

TD: What do you think about as you develop a photo essay about mental health?

AMK: First and foremost, how does a single image contribute to the series as a whole? A beautiful image will be useless to me if it doesn’t build the narrative. I consider the entire story, so the edit and sequence are important.

I plan to return to The Vessel at Hudson Yards with three models and pay proper homage to the people who decided to die by suicide there. The George Washington Bridge, which has also been a popular suicide location, is another site I plan to incorporate.

I will also photograph a second couple to complement the first one in the series. I have to bring couplehood back because as more images about suicide come into the mix, the narrative will become a bit overwhelming. The couple will balance things out. It’s about it working together as a whole.

TD: How do you approach styling scenes and directing people?

AMK: When working with an object as random as a scarf, some images are trial and error because the scarf never falls the same way twice.

The least posed photo is the one of the couple. I gave them general directions to cover their faces with the scarf and to have fun. Of all the shoots I’ve done with people, this one’s been the most about going with the flow.

The most complex images to orchestrate are portraits where there’s more of a scene. It really has to do with finding the right setting, using the scarf as a metaphor, and directing people. I put myself in their shoes and we talk about how the photo will come together. I instruct people to sit in a certain location in the frame or stand in a way that invokes a particular feeling.

In the image in my living room called Disconnecte d, two people nonchalantly sit near each other, and yet, they’re separated by the scarf and fields of color. The narrative is about how two people can be physically close yet feel completely disconnected. Their faces are covered, so you don’t identify them with a particular person — they’re universal. In the shadows on the walls, there are silhouettes of their faces. So there’s still some form of identity. There’s still somebody suffering.

TD: What elements do you consider as you’re setting up a frame?

AMK: I think about the technical aspects. Because photography, like all art mediums, is rooted in technology. Knowing how to expose the image correctly makes deciding how to tell a mental health narrative a lot easier. It’s similar in painting. If someone has a really strong foundation in anatomy, they could morph it into whatever shape they want.

So, I’m thinking about how I will light the space. If the location is out on the street, I assess how visible it is through the camera. Can I make it work, or will I need lights? Where will I place people, where will I place the scarf? Mostly I work with what’s there. I pay close attention to the edges of my frame. If something sticks out and distracts from the subject matter, I remove it.

TD: Tell us about your use of color.

AMK: Color, specifically in the photographs with gels, I use to separate space. That’s its main purpose, and those images would not be nearly as successful if it wasn’t for the color.

Let’s also talk about the lack of color. It first started as a practical thing. Some images were not working with color, or the color wasn’t contributing anything. I need to include both. I really wanted to develop that throughout the series, mixing black and white and color together. The full scope of mental health is not something that I can depict if I were shooting only in color or only in black and white.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Andy Maticorena Kajie is a Peru-born Latino artist who is currently working in still and moving photographic imagery. His work mainly focuses on aspects of the human condition ranging from struggles with mental health illnesses to the ideas of the sublime and the beautiful within the real world. Visit andykajie.com

Ioana Friedman is an art director and Editor in Chief at The Daring. She’s led digital creative at Estée Lauder Companies and e.l.f. Beauty and has served in a creative capacity at Magnum Photos and powerHouse Books.

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All contents © 2023 The Daring Media and its contributors. All Rights Reserved.

• Companies & Schools

Should you discuss mental health issues in your college essay?

by Erica L. Meltzer | Oct 20, 2018 | Blog , College Essays | 6 comments

Image ©Nickshot, Adobe Stock

Note, January 2022: This post was written in 2018, before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Obviously, many things have changed since then, not least the amount of psychological pressure that many high school students have experienced. Clearly, some of the boundaries and expectations surrounding acceptable/advisable topics for admissions essays have shifted, and applicants undoubtedly have more leeway in discussing mental-health issues than they did in the past. That said, I would still caution against making this subject the exclusive focus of your essay(s). If it happens to be relevant—and it very well might be, given the events of the last couple of years— then you should focus on discussing it in a mature way that conveys qualities such as empathy and resilience, and that demonstrates your ability to reflect insightfully on what may have been very difficult situations.  

As regular readers of my blog may know, I periodically trawl the forums over at College Confidential to see what’s trending. Recently, I’ve noticed a concerning uptick in the number of students asking whether it’s appropriate for them to write about mental health issues, most frequently ADD and/or anxiety, in their college applications.

So the short answer: don’t do it.

The slightly longer version:

If you’re concerned about a drop in grades or an inconsistent transcript, talk to your guidance counselor. If these types of issues are addressed, the GC’s letter is the most appropriate place for them. If, for any reason, the GC is unable/unwilling to discuss them and the issues had a significant impact on your performance in school that unequivocally requires explanation, you can put a brief, matter of fact note in the “is there any additional information you’d like us to know?” section, but think very carefully about how you present it. Do not write your main essay about the issue.

The full version:

To understand why these topics should generally be avoided, you need to understand what information colleges are actually seeking to gain from the personal statement. Although it is technically a personal narrative, it is, in a sense, also a persuasive essay: its purpose is to convey what sets you apart from the thousands of others with equally good grades and scores, and to suggest whether you have qualities that make you more likely to thrive at university x than the other 10 or 15 or even 20 applicants clamoring for that spot.

Now, whether such thing can actually be determined from 650 words (with which some students receive significant help) is of course questionable; however, the bottom line is that, adcoms are looking for students who will be successful in college. Discussing one’s inability to focus or intense aversion to social situations does not exactly inspire confidence, even if a student insists those problems have been overcome. Leaving home, dealing with professors and roommates and more challenging classes… Those are all major stressors. There is a tacit understanding that of course some students will flame out, have breakdowns, etc., but adcoms are understandably hesitant to admit anyone who is already at a higher risk for those issues. You want them to be excited about the prospect of admitting you, not debate whether you’ll really be able to handle college. (In fact, I had multiple students with various issues who were not truly ready for college and who did flame out — colleges have good reason to take these things seriously.)

This concern goes beyond any particular student’s well-being: graduation rates get factored into rankings, and every student who doesn’t make it through drags that statistic just a little bit lower. If a student does develop serious problems while on campus, there are also potential legal/liability issues involved, and no school wants to deliberately court those.

Besides, if your grades are iffy, it is extremely difficult not to sound as if you are making excuses. You are much better off talking about an experience or interest that will make them look past the transcript and think, “Hey, I really like this kid.” And the reality is that if your grades are that iffy, you’re probably not a competitive candidate at super-selective colleges anyway. These schools are looking for applicants who are on the way to fulfilling their potential, not for ones who need to explain away chronic underachievement.

In addition, one thing applicants — and sometimes their parents — have difficulty wrapping their heads around is the sheer number of applications the average admissions officer has encountered. Situations that may seem extreme and dramatic to adolescents who have recently confronted them may in fact have already been experienced — and written about — by thousands of other applicants. A 17-year old may believe that describing their anxiety in morbid detail will make them seem complex and introspective, but more likely it will only come off as overwrought and trite.

I know that might sound harsh, but please remember that admissions officers are coming at this process with no pre-existing knowledge of you as a person, only a few minutes to spend on your essay, and hundreds of other applications to get through. They are also under intense pressure to ensure that the appropriate demographics targets are being met and all the various institutional constituencies (coaches, development office, orchestra conductor) are being satisfied. They’re not ogres, and they’ll try to give you the benefit of the doubt, but if yours is the fifth essay about overcoming anxiety they’ve seen in the last 48 hours, they will look at it and reflexively think, “oh, another one of these.” That is not a first impression you want to make.

Now, are there exceptions? Yes, of course, but they are rare. In all the time I did college admissions work, I had exactly one student successfully discuss anxiety in an essay. It was, however, introduced in the context of a family tragedy that had profoundly shaped the student’s life; given that background, the discussion seemed natural and matter of fact rather than overdramatized. Even so, I made the student take a good week to think about whether that topic was truly the one they wanted to write about.

Ultimately, of course, the decision is yours, and the choice depends on the larger story you want to tell as well as your ability as a writer, but these topics are so difficult to pull off well that you are best off avoiding them if you can (particularly if you don’t have access to someone with a lot of admissions experience who can review your essay). Find another topic/ experience that you enjoy writing about (and that others are likely to enjoy reading about); that presents you as someone interesting and thoughtful; and that suggest you are ready to thrive in college.

If you really are concerned about your ability to function in college, most schools have plenty of resources for you to take advantage of (academic support, counseling center, etc.). But those are things to investigate after you get admitted. Before that, don’t go out of your way to fly red flags where none are warranted.

Why is Dyslexia ok to mention on an essay, but overcoming selective mutism is not?

Dyslexia is a learning disability that lends itself to proof that it has been overcome through excellent scores in reading and writing. It’s not easy to overcome or cope with dyslexia so an essay showing how a student did it demonstrates their tenacity and resourcefulness. Grades and scores are proof that the dyslexia will not be a problem in college, while the essay can highlight the characteristics that led to the student’s success and which will serve them well in college.

I wrote about how my dog helped me overcome me ending my life/depression and moving to another school is that too common

Thanks for the tips and perspective. It seems like common sense to me as a parent and tutor, but now I have an “established author” to cite!

I want to write about how depression had change me. But my grades and statistics are all great. Is this okay to write? My bad mental health somehow didn’t manage to get to the others parts of my life.

Is it okay to write about how despite psychosis I could manage to get good grades?

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Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Shravya Kakulamarri in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

What are you required to disclose in your application.

• Should You Include Mental Health History in Your Application?

How to Talk about Mental Health in College Applications

Taking care of your health in college.

Many students wonder if they should discuss mental health or disability in their college applications. Mental health history or a disability might be an integral part of who a student is, but that doesn’t necessarily make it relevant to a college application. Keep in mind that it is actually illegal for colleges to ask for these types of details about your life because it can be considered discrimination. So, colleges will never directly ask if you’ve had any sort of mental health issue or if you’ve ever had a disability. Based on this reason alone, you are not required to disclose mental or physical health concerns on your application. 

Disclosing your mental or physical health is strictly a matter of personal choice. If you leave out this information, it is not lying and 100% within your legal right to do so. 

Should You Include Mental Health History in Your Application? 

Before you choose whether to disclose your history of mental health or disability, you should think about the purpose of a college application. Everything that you put in your college application should contribute to an overall positive image of who you are as a student and member of the community. 

You usually don’t want to hide integral parts of who you are, but you also don’t want to be sharing challenges that are not going to strengthen your application. This is true not only for mental health or disabilities but also for academics, extracurriculars, and other experiences. Normally, students don’t bring up the time that they got a C or D in a class on their application. Everything that you include on your application should paint the most positive image of you possible. You always want to put your best foot forward and keep the focus on your strengths. 

You don’t want colleges to doubt your ability to succeed and perform well under pressure. If you mention any mental health concerns, they might use that as a way to question if you will do well at their school and be able to handle their rigorous course load. While colleges are supportive of their students’ mental health challenges and provide resources and services, you don’t want their first impression of you on your application to be something that makes them uncertain of your abilities. So, keep this in mind when deciding whether to disclose your mental health history. 

If you decide to include your mental health or disability history in your application , there are specific aspects of your experience that you should focus on. Rather than talking about the mental illness itself, focus more on the recovery and management aspects and what you have learned from the experience. 

Discuss things like how you have grown and the coping methods that you have cultivated due to the experience. These will give the admissions officer an idea of the types of strategies that you’ll likely use in college anytime that you encounter a stressful situation. 

Overall, if you choose to talk about mental health in your applications, focus on the learning and growth that you’ve gained because of it. 

Mental health is an important part of your well-being, and it’s essential to start good habits in high school . This way, you’ll be better prepared to cope when you face new challenges in college. You’ll likely be experiencing living on your own for the first time and have new responsibilities without the same support system that you had at home. It’s crucial to learn how to take care of your mental health early.

Fortunately, most students will have many resources at college to help them through mental health challenges. If you’re dealing with any mental health struggles, there is usually an office of wellness where you can schedule a time to see a therapist. This is usually provided with your school’s health insurance. If this is something that you are concerned about for your college experience, make sure to look into what mental health resources each college provides before applying. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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• Mental Health Essay

Essay on Mental Health

According to WHO, there is no single 'official' definition of mental health. Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease. 

Mental health means keeping our minds healthy. Mankind generally is more focused on keeping their physical body healthy. People tend to ignore the state of their minds. Human superiority over other animals lies in his superior mind. Man has been able to control life due to his highly developed brain. So, it becomes very important for a man to keep both his body and mind fit and healthy. Both physical and mental health are equally important for better performance and results.

Importance of Mental Health 

An emotionally fit and stable person always feels vibrant and truly alive and can easily manage emotionally difficult situations. To be emotionally strong, one has to be physically fit too. Although mental health is a personal issue, what affects one person may or may not affect another; yet, several key elements lead to mental health issues.

Many emotional factors have a significant effect on our fitness level like depression, aggression, negative thinking, frustration, and fear, etc. A physically fit person is always in a good mood and can easily cope up with situations of distress and depression resulting in regular training contributing to a good physical fitness standard. 

Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind. The term mental fitness is increasingly being used by psychologists, mental health practitioners, schools, organisations, and the general population to denote logical thinking, clear comprehension, and reasoning ability.

 Negative Impact of Mental Health

The way we physically fall sick, we can also fall sick mentally. Mental illness is the instability of one’s health, which includes changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviour. Mental illness can be caused due to stress or reaction to a certain incident. It could also arise due to genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, child abuse or trauma, social disadvantage, poor physical health condition, etc. Mental illness is curable. One can seek help from the experts in this particular area or can overcome this illness by positive thinking and changing their lifestyle.

Regular fitness exercises like morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be great medicine for curing mental health. Besides this, it is imperative to have a good diet and enough sleep. A person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night on average. When someone is tired yet still can't sleep, it's a symptom that their mental health is unstable. Overworking oneself can sometimes result in not just physical tiredness but also significant mental exhaustion. As a result, people get insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). Anxiety is another indicator. 

There are many symptoms of mental health issues that differ from person to person and among the different kinds of issues as well. For instance, panic attacks and racing thoughts are common side effects. As a result of this mental strain, a person may experience chest aches and breathing difficulties. Another sign of poor mental health is a lack of focus. It occurs when you have too much going on in your life at once, and you begin to make thoughtless mistakes, resulting in a loss of capacity to focus effectively. Another element is being on edge all of the time.

It's noticeable when you're quickly irritated by minor events or statements, become offended, and argue with your family, friends, or co-workers. It occurs as a result of a build-up of internal irritation. A sense of alienation from your loved ones might have a negative influence on your mental health. It makes you feel lonely and might even put you in a state of despair. You can prevent mental illness by taking care of yourself like calming your mind by listening to soft music, being more social, setting realistic goals for yourself, and taking care of your body. 

Surround yourself with individuals who understand your circumstances and respect you as the unique individual that you are. This practice will assist you in dealing with the sickness successfully.  Improve your mental health knowledge to receive the help you need to deal with the problem. To gain emotional support, connect with other people, family, and friends.  Always remember to be grateful in life.  Pursue a hobby or any other creative activity that you enjoy.

What does Experts say

Many health experts have stated that mental, social, and emotional health is an important part of overall fitness. Physical fitness is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Emotional fitness has been recognized as the state in which the mind is capable of staying away from negative thoughts and can focus on creative and constructive tasks. 

He should not overreact to situations. He should not get upset or disturbed by setbacks, which are parts of life. Those who do so are not emotionally fit though they may be physically strong and healthy. There are no gyms to set this right but yoga, meditation, and reading books, which tell us how to be emotionally strong, help to acquire emotional fitness. 

Stress and depression can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including suicide in extreme situations. Being mentally healthy extends your life by allowing you to experience more joy and happiness. Mental health also improves our ability to think clearly and boosts our self-esteem. We may also connect spiritually with ourselves and serve as role models for others. We'd also be able to serve people without being a mental drain on them. 

Mental sickness is becoming a growing issue in the 21st century. Not everyone receives the help that they need. Even though mental illness is common these days and can affect anyone, there is still a stigma attached to it. People are still reluctant to accept the illness of mind because of this stigma. They feel shame to acknowledge it and seek help from the doctors. It's important to remember that "mental health" and "mental sickness" are not interchangeable.

Mental health and mental illness are inextricably linked. Individuals with good mental health can develop mental illness, while those with no mental disease can have poor mental health. Mental illness does not imply that someone is insane, and it is not anything to be embarrassed by. Our society's perception of mental disease or disorder must shift. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health. They both are equally important for a person. 

Our society needs to change its perception of mental illness or disorder. People have to remove the stigma attached to this illness and educate themselves about it. Only about 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the therapy they need. 

According to research conducted on adults, mental illness affects 19% of the adult population. Nearly one in every five children and adolescents on the globe has a mental illness. Depression, which affects 246 million people worldwide, is one of the leading causes of disability. If  mental illness is not treated at the correct time then the consequences can be grave.

One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls' mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. Feelings of inferiority and insecurity are the two key factors that have the greatest impact. As a result, they lose their independence and confidence, which can be avoided by encouraging the children to believe in themselves at all times. 

To make people more aware of mental health, 10th October is observed as World Mental Health. The object of this day is to spread awareness about mental health issues around the world and make all efforts in the support of mental health.

The mind is one of the most powerful organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds are unstable, they affect the whole functioning of our bodies. Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the physical body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. And only when both are balanced can we call a person perfectly healthy and well. So, it is crucial for everyone to work towards achieving a balance between mental and physical wellbeing and get the necessary help when either of them falters.

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Psychiatry & Mental Health — Mental Health

Argumentative Essays About Mental Health

Hook examples for mental health essays, the personal experience hook.

Share a personal anecdote or experience related to mental health. Describe your journey or the experiences of someone close to you, highlighting the challenges and the importance of mental well-being.

The Stigma-Breaking Hook

Begin by discussing the stigma surrounding mental health. Explain how society's perceptions can hinder individuals from seeking help and why it's crucial to challenge these stereotypes.

The Statistics and Prevalence Hook

Start with shocking statistics or data on the prevalence of mental health issues. Highlight the scale of the problem and its impact on individuals and communities.

The Historical Perspective Hook

Explore the historical treatment of mental health. Discuss how society's understanding of mental illnesses has evolved over time and the significance of these changes.

The Celebrities and Advocacy Hook

Highlight the advocacy efforts of well-known figures who have openly discussed their mental health struggles. Explain how their stories have helped reduce stigma and raise awareness.

The Impact on Daily Life Hook

Discuss how mental health issues affect everyday life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. Share relatable scenarios to engage readers emotionally.

The Psychological Insights Hook

Introduce a psychological concept or theory related to mental health. Explain its relevance and how it can provide valuable insights into human behavior and emotions.

The Global Mental Health Hook

Examine mental health on a global scale. Discuss disparities in access to mental health care and the impact of cultural factors on mental well-being.

The Resilience and Recovery Hook

Share stories of individuals who have overcome mental health challenges and emphasize the themes of resilience, recovery, and hope. Showcase the importance of seeking help and support.

The Call to Action Hook

Conclude your essay with a compelling call to action. Encourage readers to prioritize their mental health, seek help when needed, and advocate for better mental health care and awareness.

Proposal Essay Examples on Mental Health

When delving into the realm of proposal essays , it's crucial to explore a diverse array of topics that capture the complexities of societal issues. In this context, mental health emerges as a critical area deserving attention and analysis. Below, you'll find a curated list of proposal essay topics centered around mental health, aiming to spark insightful discussions and potential solutions.

• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Awareness
• Improving Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Communities
• Addressing Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in Schools
• Implementing Mental Health Education Programs in the Workplace
• Enhancing Support Systems for Veterans' Mental Health
• Exploring Alternative Therapies for Managing Anxiety and Depression
• Promoting Mental Wellness Among College Students
• Integrating Mental Health Screening into Primary Care Settings
• Combatting Loneliness and Isolation Among the Elderly
• Creating Support Networks for Families of Individuals with Mental Illness

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The Complex Influence of Instagram: an Argumentative Analysis

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The Effects of Mental Health on Our Life

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The Importance of Understanding of Self-knowledge and The Subconscious Mind

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A mental illness, referred to as a mental disorder or psychiatric disorder, is a condition characterized by disrupted behavioral or mental patterns that result in considerable distress or impairment to an individual's personal functioning.

Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexuality related disorders, other disorders.

Genetic and biological factors: Having a family history of mental illness can elevate the likelihood of experiencing such conditions. Additionally, specific genetic variations and imbalances in brain chemistry can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to mental health disorders. Environmental factors: Adverse childhood experiences, including trauma, abuse, neglect, or growing up in a stressful and unstable environment, increase the vulnerability to developing mental health issues. Psychological factors: Certain traits like high levels of neuroticism or low self-esteem can also contribute to an individual's susceptibility to mental health problems. Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse is strongly associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions and chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or neurological disorders, can be linked to a heightened risk of mental illness.

Emotional disturbances: persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or a general sense of emptiness. Cognitive impairments: mental health disorders can affect cognitive processes such as thinking, concentration, memory, and decision-making. Individuals may experience difficulties in focusing, problem-solving, or retaining information. Behavioral changes: withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, appetite fluctuations, increased substance use, self-harm, or engaging in risky behaviors. Distorted perceptions: hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) or delusions (strongly held beliefs that are not based on reality). Impairment in functioning: mental illness often interferes with an individual's ability to function effectively in their daily life. This can include challenges in personal relationships, occupational difficulties, impaired academic performance, or a decline in overall quality of life. Physical symptoms: headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, or unexplained aches and pains.

Psychotherapy: also referred to as talk therapy, involves collaborating with a trained therapist to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Its purpose is to gain insights, develop coping skills, and foster positive transformations. Medication: certain mental disorders can be aided by medication, such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, or mood stabilizers. These medications assist in regulating brain chemistry and alleviating symptoms. Lifestyle changes: adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management, can contribute to enhancing mental well-being. Support groups: becoming part of support groups or engaging in group therapy can provide a sense of community and empathy, allowing for the exchange of experiences and receiving support from peers. Alternative therapies: some individuals find alternative treatments like yoga, meditation, art therapy, or acupuncture beneficial. These practices can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance emotional well-being. Hospitalization or intensive treatment programs: in severe cases or during mental health emergencies, hospitalization or intensive treatment programs may be required to ensure safety, stabilization, and access to specialized care.

The significance of the subject of mental illness cannot be overstated, as it holds profound relevance for individuals, families, and society at large. The far-reaching impact of mental health conditions on countless people globally necessitates attention and understanding. These conditions impose substantial suffering, impair daily functioning, and tragically, may even lead to loss of life. Recognizing and comprehending mental illness is imperative to foster awareness, combat societal stigma, and enable timely intervention. Prioritizing mental health enables the enhancement of overall well-being and life quality for those affected, while also driving the development of effective treatment methods, improved accessibility to resources, and the cultivation of supportive environments that nurture healing and resilience.

The topic of mental illness is immensely deserving of an essay due to its profound significance in today's society. Exploring mental illness provides an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and promote understanding. By delving into this subject, one can shed light on the experiences of individuals facing mental health challenges, the impact on their lives, and the broader societal implications. It allows for an examination of the available resources, treatment approaches, and the need for improved mental healthcare systems. Addressing mental illness in an essay contributes to reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and inspiring action to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for those affected.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. World Health Organization. (2019). Mental disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders 3. Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627. 4. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental health information. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml 5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 6. Greenberg, G. (2013). The book of woe: The DSM and the unmaking of psychiatry. New York, NY: Penguin Books. 7. Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37-70. 8. Pincus, H. A., Davis, W. W., & McQueen, L. E. (2017). "Subthreshold" mental disorders: A review and synthesis of studies on minor depression and other "brand names." British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(4), 288-294. 9. Sartorius, N. (2017). Stigma and mental health. Lancet Psychiatry, 4(10), 777-778. 10. Patel, V., Saxena, S., Lund, C., Thornicroft, G., Baingana, F., Bolton, P., ... & Unützer, J. (2018). The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development. The Lancet, 392(10157), 1553-1598.

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How To Cope With Health Anxiety, According To The Psychologists Who Treat It

If you enjoy scrolling on WebMD a little too much, this is for you.

Recently, I wrote an article about protecting yourself from skin cancer . The next week, I went on a beach vacation, where I was subject to the sun’s powerful UV rays for hours on end. I’ve always worn sunscreen and have never gotten a sunburn in my life (brag), but this time, I couldn’t relax. All I could think about was how if my skin got any darker, or if I didn’t apply sunscreen perfectly , it might lead to skin cancer in the future. I pestered my family members to reapply and worried on their behalf when I saw their changing hues. I checked my arms and chest constantly for signs of redness or burns—but I went home without so much as a tanline.

For people who experience health anxiety, a condition where generally healthy people worry that they’re sick despite having no or innocuous symptoms, overthinking can ruin a lot more than beach vacations. Health anxiety is estimated to affect 4 to 5 percent of the population, though experts believe it’s underreported and could be closer to 12 percent or double that, according to Harvard Health . That’s potentially 80 million people in the United States constantly worried that they’re sick.

It’s also on the rise, having grown exponentially over the past 30 years—particularly for university students, per a 2020 article in The Journal of Anxiety Disorders . (In the meta-analysis and systematic review of 68 studies and over 22,000 participants, the mean score on the Illness Attitudes Scales , a tool used to measure health anxiety, had increased by 4.61 points between 1985 and 2017).

COVID may have contributed to this, and access to unlimited (and unvetted) information online hasn’t helped. There’s even a name for how the internet can fuel health anxiety’s flames: cyberchondria , otherwise known as all those times you take to WebMD to diagnose your symptoms and decide that you have a horrible illness when really you needed to take an Advil or get a good night’s sleep.

Meet the experts: E. Katia Moritz , PhD, is a psychologist, chief clinical officer and founder of the Neurobehavioral Institute , and a member of the Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board and the Diversity Council of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation . Patrick McGrath , PhD, is lead psychologist at Ascension Illinois Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and chief clinical officer at NOCD , an online treatment option for people with OCD. Olivia Verhulst , LMHC, is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in anxiety in New York City.

Spending time researching illnesses on your own might feel productive, but it can cause more harm than good. In fact, health anxiety doesn’t actually help you stay well, says Katia Moritz, PhD, a psychologist and chief clinical officer of the Neurobehavioral Institute. Instead, it can create mental and emotional challenges, cause you to go to extreme lengths to avoid certain triggers, and decrease your quality of life . If your relationship with Dr. Google is affecting your mental health, therapists explain how to navigate health anxiety during a time of information overload.

What is health anxiety?

The term “health anxiety” can be classified by psychologists as one of a few things: illness anxiety disorder , somatic symptom disorder , or a form of obsessive compulsive disorder .

Illness anxiety disorder is when you're constantly worrying about having an undiagnosed condition, no matter how unlikely it is and despite reassurance from others—even doctors—that you're fine, says Olivia Verhulst, LMHC, a New York City-based psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Somatic symptom disorder is similar, but the person is also experiencing physical symptoms that are driving their concerns.

OCD involves a combination of recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and rituals (compulsions) per the American Psychological Association (APA). With health anxiety, you might have compulsions—like checking your body frequently for certain symptoms or seeking reassurance about your health status—on top of your obsessive concerns about health. Someone suffering from any one of these conditions might constantly be worried about developing a specific illness, spend a lot of time researching it, and follow rigid rules or behaviors to avoid getting sick.

There are plenty of reasons you might have anxiety about your health, like a diagnosis, a day-to-day environment that poses risks to your well-being, or a family history of an illness.

Some level of anxiety is normal, and even good, Patrick McGrath, PhD, a psychologist and chief clinical officer of NOCD, an online treatment option for people with OCD says, since it might push you to accomplish something you need to get done or protect you from things that are genuinely anxiety-inducing. But on the other hand, you could find yourself reading articles about a condition only to realize that you feel more anxious, says Moritz. And no matter how much you describe your symptoms to your friends, you still don’t feel any better.

Whether you've been diagnosed with a formal disorder or not, one of the most common treatment methods psychologists use is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy known as exposure response prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD that helps people learn to confront their fixations, sit with discomfort, and not act on their compulsions.

“Cognitive behavioral skills teach you how to have the [intrusive] thought, not engage in any action, and accept that you don't know if you are sick or not,” says Moritz. “You're going to build this strength, this muscle, that when the thought gets thrown at you, it's not going to hurt you anymore.”

The best way to get treatment for health anxiety is to consult a therapist trained in ERP. But in the meantime, here are a few other ways to start managing uncertainty around your health, per McGrath, Moritz, and Verhulst.

How To Cope With Health Anxiety

Limit worry time, especially on the internet..

If you spend hours on end researching potential conditions, therapists recommend setting boundaries around reassurance-seeking online, especially since your worries can be insatiable.

Being chronically online can make you more anxious because of negativity bias , the tendency to overemphasize bad things compared to good ones, and confirmation bias , the tendency to interpret information to fit the conclusion you’ve already jumped to in your head, says Verhulst.

“It's easy to find yourself in a situation where anxiety is filling in the gaps because you don't like uncertainty—and anxiety latches on to the most catastrophic things you can find,” she says.

To that end, it can help to set boundaries around how much time you’re on Google. “I would never tell anyone not to look something up, but I would also say there has to be a limit,” says McGrath. Set a timer for how long you’re going to spend scrolling on niche corners of TikTok or checking WebMD, and hold yourself to it. Twenty minutes is a good place to start, says Verhulst.

Think of anxious thoughts as bullies—and take away their power.

Just like a playground bully intrudes on your well-being (say, with unwanted comments and attention), your anxiety does, too. The best way to respond to a bully isn’t necessarily to fight back, it’s to show them you don’t care, says Moritz—and you can do the same in approaching health anxiety.

For example, if the bully in your head is convincing you that you have an illness, and you know it’s unfounded, you don’t have to try and argue against it or prove it wrong. Instead, try saying, “So what?” as a way of interrupting the potential thought spiral, says Moritz. While the pros call this expectation violation —because your brain is expecting you to freak out, and you’re attempting to do the opposite—you can think of it as taking the power away from the bully in your head, and hopefully, making it easier to move on with your day.

Recognize that anxious thoughts about your health aren't productive.

One question to ask yourself is if your health anxiety is doing anything useful. Constant worrying doesn’t actually have an impact on whether or not you get sick.

“Anxiety doesn't make you healthier or take better care of yourself,” says Dr. Moritz. “If you had zero health anxiety right now, [your health] would be the same.”

Learn to identify and manage your triggers.

Triggers for a health anxiety freakout are a part of life, says Dr. Moritz. Whether you just read a news story about a condition, sat next to someone with a terrible cough on public transportation, or woke up with a sore throat, you might be concerned. The more you get to know what your triggers are—and how you typically react to them—the better you can interrupt a spiral. If you can identify a trigger and decide to react differently than what your anxiety wants you to do, you can diminish its power.

“You don't have to go down the path that your thoughts, images, and urges take you,” says McGrath. “You can acknowledge them and you can move on.”

This isn’t to say you should avoid your triggers altogether, since this can actually reinforce anxiety. Instead, the best way to get over any fear is to face it head on, says McGrath. While this doesn’t mean you should go out and get the sickness you’re afraid of, it means dealing with the discomfort that you can’t have 100 percent certainty about your health.

Consider cognitive behavioral therapy.

If health anxiety is having a major impact on your life (like interfering with work or relationships or it taking up a significant amount of your time), it’s a good idea to talk to a therapist about it.

Rather than going to a traditional talk therapist who might try and reassure you about your health, going to someone trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and ERP can help you recognize what triggers you and acknowledge your thoughts—without falling into an anxiety spiral.

Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health where she covers health and fitness. She previously wrote for The Cut, POPSUGAR, and Salon and has written about everything from New York Fashion Week to dating app trends to the United States Women’s National Soccer team (a.k.a. her heroes). When she isn’t writing, Olivia is likely catching up on Bravo shows or running late to barre class.

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The Declining Mental Health of the Young in the UK

We show the incidence of mental ill-health has been rising especially among the young in the years and especially so in Scotland. The incidence of mental ill-health among young men in particular, started rising in 2008 with the onset of the Great Recession and for young women around 2012. The age profile of mental ill-health shifts to the left, over time, such that the peak of depression shifts from mid-life, when people are in their late 40s and early 50s, around the time of the Great Recession, to one’s early to mid-20s in 2023. These trends are much more pronounced if one drops the large number of proxy respondents in the UK Labour Force Surveys, indicating fellow family members understate the poor mental health of respondents, especially if those respondents are young. We report consistent evidence from the Scottish Health Surveys and UK samples from Eurobarometer surveys. Our findings are consistent with those for the United States and suggest that, although smartphone technologies may be closely correlated with a decline in young people’s mental health, increases in mental ill-health in the UK from the late 1990s suggest other factors must also be at play.

David G. Blanchflower and Alex Bryson would like to thank the Human Development Report Office, United Nations Development Programme for support. The copyright for all research commissioned by the Human Development Report Office will be held by UNDP. We thank the ESRC Data Archive for access to the data. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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Engineering Student Success Coach

• Madison, Wisconsin
• COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING/IEDE*ENGR/IEDE/IEDE
• Academic Services and Student Experience
• Staff-Full Time
• Opening at: Sep 6 2024 at 16:25 CDT
• Closing at: Sep 29 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

Join the growing team in the College of Engineering's Learning Success where we are focused on supporting the success of all students in our college. The Engineering Success Coach will join a team that provides holistic support for student growth and excellence in the College of Engineering. The Engineering Success Coach will provide coaching for students to help them overcome academic challenges, develop academic skills, connect with resources within the college and campus, manage their time, set goals, and explore support systems for wellness and mental health. The primary responsibilities of the Engineering Success Coach will include working directly with students in one-on-one settings to coach them though a high-touch support and advocacy model. Additionally, the successful candidate will teach workshops, or a course open to all engineering students on how to be a successful engineering student. The Engineering Success Coach will work to develop and grow our Study Interest Group program and oversee our Tutoring by Request program. Last, as part of the Learning Success team, the Engineering Success Coach will supervise some of the undergraduate and graduate tutors in the Undergraduate Learning Center.

Responsibilities:

• 5% Works to develop and/or design curriculum and/or techniques for instruction in a disciplinary area and suggests new ways of effective instruction within that discipline
• 10% Assesses learner performance and may prepare reports recommending instructional improvements
• 5% Develops teaching techniques that enhance course effectiveness in alignment with desired outcomes and established strategy and may train other staff in use of said instructional techniques
• 15% Provides supplemental instruction for students enrolled in classroom, online, and/or laboratory courses in a variety of formats such as one-on-one sessions, group sessions, peer mentor sessions, and seminars
• 30% Meets with students for intake and general assessment and makes referrals to others on campus as appropriate
• 20% May supervise the day-to-day activities of work unit employees involved in instructional support
• 10% Assists in defining the objectives of the program and plays a major role in carrying out program duties
• 5% May participate in strategic planning and grant proposals for instructional development, new teaching methods, and program direction

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required Bachelor's Degree

Preferred, Bachelor's Degree in a STEM field or Master's Degree in a STEM field

Qualifications:

Required: - At least 1 year of experience empowering undergraduate students or other young adults to achieve academic or holistic success, including graduate assistantships or practicums. - At least 1 year of experience working with and collaborating with multiple stakeholders or partners, especially in support of a student or other young adults' wellbeing and/or success, including graduate assistantships or practicums. - At least 1 year of teaching experience, including teaching assistantships. Preferred: - At least 3 years' experience empowering undergraduate students to achieve academic success in a STEM or STEM related field. - At least 3 years' experience of inclusive teaching experience, particularly in a student success course. - Experience developing initiatives to support students who are struggling academically. - Experience working with and serving students from underrepresented backgrounds. - Experience in instructing students about evidence-based practices of learning. - Creativity and resourcefulness, especially when it comes to designing workshops, classes or other initiatives to support students thriving.

Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $57,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf . 

Additional Information:

The Engineering Success Coach is an in-person position with typical hours from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. There will be some occasional evening hours throughout the semester. Additionally, there are some college-wide events that occur on a few weekends throughout the year.

How to Apply:

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. Applicants will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter. Please outline relevant experiences and qualifications as it pertains to the required and preferred qualifications noted in this job description.

Beth Brandl [email protected] 608-262-5270 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Learning Center Specialist(AE163)

Department(s):

A19-COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING/IEDE/DAO

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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From IIT Bombay to monkhood: Gauranga Das Prabhu's guide to overcoming stress

Gauranga das prabhu, an iit bombay graduate, left a promising engineering career to embrace monkhood. he shares insights on spirituality, mental well-being, and the vital role of teachers in shaping india's future..

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Gauranga Das Prabhu, an IIT Bombay alumnus, transitioned from a successful engineering path to a life of spiritual dedication as a monk. Deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and his association with ISKCON monks during his college years, he sought answers to life’s deeper questions, such as the nature of death and purpose.