Despite this being the 21st Century, mental health illness is still a taboo subject for many. World Mental Health Day on 10th October gives the opportunity to break through the wall of silence and give hope, advice and strength to those affected by mental illness. Bethany Mayhew explains why World Mental Health Day is important to her, as a Sixth Form student,

World Mental Health Day allows visibility to be brought to the growing sub-community, to those who deal with this still taboo topic.

There's a growing misconception surrounding mental illnesses, especially in young people, that  anxiety or depression, are merely a side effect of adolescence. However studies have shown that 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem during their lives/

This disregard for the seriousness of mental health has a devastating impact for young sufferers. It creates an idea within their minds that suicidal ideations, are a product of puberty and therefore normal. This normalization results in young people being unable to freely speak about how they feel. With the help from the annual World Mental Health Day, they can become made aware that this is not ‘normal’ and become reassured that there is help out there waiting for them.

Experiencing a string of mental illnesses myself, I am exceptionally passionate about bringing awareness to this growing issue, especially amongst young people. I want to destroy the idea they should feel ashamed for their neurological imbalance, as that is essentially what a mental illness is. There should be no shame in wishing for help, but sadly much of society, places a seed of doubt within the mind of a depressive.It tells a sufferer of anxiety, their perception of the world is entirely normal, when it is actually the complete opposite of that.

By recognising World Mental Health Day as a fundamental part within the lives of someone who suffers, you can help destroy the stigma that surrounds it. You can help young people feel less vulnerable and ashamed for their biology. You can sympathise with the three in four young people, who fear the reactions of friends when they talk about their mental health problems.