JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SEE IT, DOESN’T MEAN IT’S NOT THERE
… and that’s exactly what it’s like for those suffering from invisible illnesses like depression and anxiety. Mental illness is not easily seen. In fact, many people suffer from it in silence. Those close to them may not even realize what they struggle with every day. At times, just getting up in the morning is a constant battle. For some, they can’t even get sleep at night. Worst still, some people blame it on them.
The truth is mental illness is NOT due to a weakness of character. It is NOT a choice. And most of all, mental illness is NOT their fault. It is judgements like these that makes patients blame themselves more.
Please be kind to them and give them support. Ending mental health stigma is the first step in making the world a better place for all of us.
Dr Beatrice Ng Andrew
Consultant Psychiatrist
Introspect Specialist Clinic
12th April 2020