Ungria - The Importance of Mental Health - Speech

OUR MINDS BECAME OUR OWN MONSTERS
October 25th, 2012 was meant to be a celebration of life, but it transpired to be a

day of tragedy that will haunt me forever. In a tragic coincidence, my 65-year-old
grandma perished on the day of my birthday. Amidst being a decisive community
leader, a devoted mother, and a vivacious sister, she terminated her legacy with her
own hands. Her mind became her rival, and so it killed her.
Ladies and gentlemen, a delightful day to all of us! Today I came here with a
purpose, and you are here for a reason. I want to begin our conversation by asking, how
are you today? Are your minds at peace? How is your mental health? Do you find
serenity? The answers to these questions could be one or two words, perhaps a yes or
a no, but our reasons have the depth and power of a thousand metaphors.
Did you know that there are 3.3 million Filipinos who endure depressive disorders
every day? Did you know that the suicide rate tops 2.5 males and 1.7 females per
100,000 persons? Lastly, did you know that the first-ever Mental Health Act legislation
in the Philippines happened only recently? Come to think of that. Mental Health issues
have long been an enormous concern in the country. However, only a few recognize its
importance, and most belittle its effect. Nevertheless, today, we are bound to break the
stigma and obstruct the behavior of a mere stereotype.
Mental health encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It

affects an individual's thinking, feelings, and functioning. Additionally, it influences how
we handle stress, interact with people, and make decisions. In other words, mental
health portrays a massive role in human existence. One of the most common mental
health illnesses is depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent
fear, sadness, and loss of interest. Can you imagine living a life with depression? Where
you can't decide because your thoughts are irrational and uncontrollable. Imagine a
moment where you can't eat, sleep, or feel anything because you lost interest. Imagine
a day full of delusions and hallucinations. Imagine yourself stranded in the deepest
recesses of the room, believing that everything needs to come to an end. Imagine that,
or maybe, you don't need to imagine since you are going through a similar situation. If
you do, you need salvation, so do your friend, your family, and everyone who's going
through this difficult time.
According to Glenn Close, mental health needs more sunlight, more candor,
more unashamed conversation. Do you believe him? Well, you better should. Mental
treatments, therapies, and medicine are among the most effective medical care and
strategies to defy depression. Regardless of its efficacy, it is too expensive for most
people. Looking back, a Karen teacher of mine once mentioned that we must not
consider someone as mentally ill if they are not clinically diagnosed. At that very
moment when I heard her say that, my nerves immediately tightened, my blood went
gushing, my heart pumped a hundred times, and everything halted for a second. I
raised my hand and asked, how about the unprivileged? Is this concept not anti-poor?
Does this suggest that we have the right to invalidate mental health issues just because
they are penniless and have no means for hospitalization and treatment? She replied in
an ad hominem manner as she said, Johannes, are you a bachelor to say that? She
heard nothing but silence. Her argument was nonsensical, egocentric, and biased. No
one in this colossal universe has the privilege to revoke a feeling, an action, or a mental
crisis, most specifically due to incapacity. Sometimes, a depressive person only needs
an open mind, a sensitive mouth, and a person that has a will to listen. It does not
cause anything but your precious time and effort to make them feel loved, valued, and
belong. Have you ever wondered why minds become monsters? Because they feel
neglected, unappreciated, and unwanted. Some of the most comforting words in the
universe are “me too”. That moment when they find out that their struggle is also
someone's struggle, that they are not alone, and that others have been down on the
same road, that's the best moment of their lives. Don't be like my Karen teacher.
Instead, be emphatic, and assure them that you'll serve as their light every step of the
way.
Who among us here have bad days raise your hand. I see everyone raising their
hands. Well, bad days are inevitable. However, life will not be that cruel indefinitely. We
will all taste sweet in bittersweet. Thus, to those courageous wallflowers who fight every
day for their peace of mind, please don't be ashamed to speak for yourself because no
one else could. When you begin to talk about your feelings, they become less
overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. We might not understand the pain you are
going through but know that we will always be here for you no matter what. We will
overcome this together, and you'll be the joyful, confident person you once were.
Sweety, you were and never will be different because you are unique and beautiful.
Healing is a process, and the road to recovery is paved with victories one step at a time.
You all fight for your mental health every day in ways most people can't
understand. You are a warrior. Remember, you are not the bad feelings you have in
your head. You are not the storm. Instead, you are the person experiencing the storm. It
may knock you off your feet, but you will stand more resilient than ever. Either the
weather will change, or you will find peace and shelter. Hold on. Ladies and gentlemen,
we need to act for our mental health before it will act upon us. We need to lend a hand
and maybe by then we can change this world.

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OUR MINDS BECAME OUR OWN MONSTERS

October 25th, 2012 was meant to be a celebration of life, but it transpired to be a

Mental health encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It

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