75% of people said that if they were struggling with their mental health and someone asked them ‘how are you’, they would say they’re fine even when they are not.

 

We have all done this and most likely we have done this today. Why do we do this especially when sometimes we are just having a down day, when the ones who care about us would be there to support us no questions asked.

 

One of the reasons is those unhelpful comments like "what do you have to be sad about", or "you don't even know what stress is", or “there are people a lot worse off than you!”

How is that ever helpful!!!

 

Everyone’s feelings are valid and making statements like this is just causing more folk to hide behind their “fine” when really they just need you to be there.

 

Mental health covers a broad spectrum the same way physical health does. Mental health ranges from excellent mental health at one end, and severe debilitating symptoms at the other end. We need to start treating our mental health the same as our physical. As with physical health if you leave something small long enough without seeking help it can become worse – this applies to your mental health.

 

So, it is time to talk even if it is just by answering the question differently.

 

“How are you?”