People should pay attention to their health, look for proper care

Undoubtedly, one of the most important aspects of a person’s life is their health – be it mental or physical. While perfect health is ideal, this is not the case for many. For countless individuals, professional care is required to deal with the issue, and teenagers should not feel ashamed to seek this help.  

One of the most stigmatized aspects of a person’s well-being is their mentality. For years, those who suffered from mental health problems received lackadaisical care. Thankfully, due to the work of countless charities and campaigns, this subject is not as taboo as it once was.  

As reported by the World Health Organization, one out of four people will suffer from a type of mental disorder in their life. Because problems pertaining to mental health are very common, people who are in need of assistance should not feel ashamed to seek it. Besides, there are millions who are in the same boat.  

It is important to note, however, that in mental health one size does not fit all. A treatment that works for one person may not work for another. For example, going to a therapist could possibly help a patient deal with their anxiety, while someone else may find speaking to a therapist to be completely ineffective.  

There are countless treatments available to those who need them; therapy is just the tip of the iceberg. Besides seeing a therapist (which can also be costly), there are also support groups, 24-hour hotlines and doctor-prescribed medications.  

In addition to mental health, sexual health plays a great role in one’s wellbeing and is also somewhat of a taboo topic. Despite this, it remains an important area for people – both young and old – to be educated in.  

It is especially imperative for teenagers to be aware of the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. From 2007 to 2016, there has been a 23 percent increase in HIV diagnoses in Hillsborough County, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

Teenagers should ask trusted adults or doctors about questions regarding sexuality. Being informed will help prevent STDs, unplanned pregnancies and more. 

As seen with both the cases of mental and sexual health, the taboo surrounding it is a common, persistent problem. Stigma, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will result in discrimination and ineffective or limited treatment options for those who need it.  

It is everyone’s responsibility to try to avoid discounting people’s health concerns as much as possible. These issues are not just limited to a small group of people; they affect many.  

Taking the first steps to learning more about or improving one’s health could be awkward or unpleasant. In the end, however, it is worth taking these first steps.  

Additionally, it is important to note that recovery is not an overnight thing, but rather a process that also requires the effort of the person trying to get better.