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Overcoming Mental Illness: Asking For Help Is Not A Sign Of Weakness & So Does Expressing Your Feelings

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Face it, most people expect others to always be resilient no matter what trials one is facing or might face in the future; however, with it comes an unspoken notion - especially among younger ones - that asking for help, even in regards to mental illness, is a sign of weakness. But what if it's actually the other way around?

Yes, it is right. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Because when it comes to having a mental illness, it's a sign that one is strong and determined enough to overcome what he is going through. Sadly, some people tend to forget this and the fact that one can only handle so much.

According to BBC News, a YouGov poll for Prince's Trust indicates that a significant number of young people have the "fear" of talking to someone about their problems - with over three-quarters perturbing it as being weak and a quarter preferring to never confide in anyone else.

Further detailed on the same publication, it must be admitted that this is, indeed, "extremely worrying," as Professor Louise Arseneault from Kings College's Institute of Psychology and Neuroscience stated. He also expressed concern over young people completely losing their confidence at later stages in their lives, which could be a permanent effect from the "major obstacle" that is asking for help. "It shouldn't be like this," he added.

On a more positive note, The Huffington Post reports that expressing feelings - be it through words, actions, or by simply doing things that a person loves - can help him overcome the "fear" of talking to someone about their problems. Guest blogger Sean S. shares his experience on the same post for the mental health awareness campaign, first developed by McLean Hospital in May 2016. He was 13 when he had his first panic attack and is now a 36-year-old artist who is looking for more ways to help those who are suffering mental illnesses via expressing their feelings through art.

For those who are suffering from any kind of mental illness, always remember: they don't have to go through it alone.

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