Youth And Mental Illness

Ms. Ramprasad is sharing her story in a memoir.

It is so heartwarming to know that a woman like Gayathri Ramprasad has overcome her own struggles with mental illness and was able to go on and found a nonprofit organization, ASHA INTERNATIONAL. This awesome woman remains President and Founder, and is now reaching out to help others in their struggles. For, ASHA International promotes wellness through engaging communities, helping people, and respecting different cultural traditions. The organization is well know for its campaign, HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY LIVES, which offers a variety of services and programs for those affected by mental illnesses, their families, health care professionals, and the wider community.

Let's share the story of a young woman, Bekah Miles, who was struggling with whether to reveal her issues involving mental health. She had written a post to go on her Facebook page, meaning only to be seen by her family and friends. It would be the first time that, in any public way, that she would reveal her mental illness and how it affected her. After she hit the Post button, she found out that not only family and friends saw it, but her post went viral, seen by millions, and precipitated a worldwide conversation about depression.



In considering the overall picture, mental illness affects high school and college students in fairly large numbers, but not all of those experiencing mental health issues receive treatment. For those who aren't aware, schizophrenia typically makes its first appearance in male teens and young adults, while for teenage girls and young adults, depression predominates. Unfortunately, without treatment, these illnesses can lead to a severe drop in school performance, family conflicts, substance abuse, contact with the criminal justice system, along with suicide. Among those age 15 to 24 years old, suicide ranks as the second highest cause of death.

Although getting treatment doesn't provide a cure, it does significantly improve life and relieve symptoms, aiding in recovery. But too many people are hampered in getting help by the stigma of mental illness, fearing the label that is attached to them. In some cases, there is even the lack of knowledge and access to the support and services needed. Remember that those who have specialized in treating these disorders are aware that it is not anyone's fault. Receiving treatment doesn't mean that you are weak or immoral. It is a strength and commitment to yourself and your well-being. With more scientific study of the causes of mental illness, those who work in the field have found that biology has a major part, along with traumatic experiences that alter brain structure.

But turning back to Bekah, she would like to change what is in the minds and, sometimes hearts, of young people. She wants to do something to help erase the stigma, to increase knowledge of what mental illness and mental health are, and encourage young people to seek out the support and treatment that they need. So, she joined the ASHA International Speakers Bureau. She was able to share her story with students at Century High School in March, and this month went back to her alma mater, Canby High School, to speak with students there.

An online webinar by ASHA International

Bekah is now attending college at George Fox University and she hopes to graduate in the fall of this year. When she graduates, she will have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women's Studies.

Bekah Miles, now part of the Speaker's Bureau.

Thanks for information from this article by Gayathri Ramprasad on ASHA International: http://myasha.org/2016/03/lets-talk-mental-health/; and the above links.

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