MENTAL HEALTH:
IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP AND
Shabariesha HELP THOSE WHO ARE
Kethees, 1st
year medical SUFFERING IN SILENCE
student
We all matter
There are so many people suffering mentally
and think they are not good enough or do not
matter. They feel afraid to speak up as people
may perceive them negatively. They feel lost,
isolated and numb. They feel stuck and want
to escape their own minds; have the urge to
hurt themselves to avoid their underlying
suffering.
I EXIST MOVEMENT
-International movement promoting mental
is a movement, not an organisation, that
After a student death on campus, she
towards the community for not acknowledging
lack of understanding about this topic. It is students became interested in the movement.
such a shame that people do not accept nor Through spreading the word, it has now
love themselves and feel they are unlovable. reached to people all over the world, including
Some people think that mental health illness South Korea, Minnesota, Belgium, France,
defines the person, when it is part of them Ethiopia, Tunisia, Hawaii, Australia, Romania
and are much more. Some do not treat them and even reached to the advisor of World
as people but just see them as the conditions. Federation of United Nation Associates
etc. Rather than listening and accepting that,
that is how the person feels. And sometimes
all they need is just someone to be there.
(WFUNA)
This movement helps those who are in
silence. To stand up for what is right and just.
It is to increase awareness of self, community
and mental health. Every individual matter.
No matter who they are. No matter what
beliefs and attitudes we have. Everyone
deserves respect, and no one deserves to be
It’s time we promote individuality and self- isolated. It is to remind each other that we are
love. It’s time we accept ourselves and here to support each other and that we are
everyone around us. It’s time to speak up. A together in this. It also gives encouragement
movement called ‘I Exist’ has started in North to seek help and support; provides a support
Carolina which is now have reached to other
students across the world to help those who
are suffering and to overcome these issues.
Participating in Women’s March,
LGBT Pride etc
• Promoting “I Exist” through
artwork such as posters put on
public settings
• Giving free food and haircuts to
the homeless
• Getting people to share their
stories and experiences
the importance of mental health and wellbeing
suffer mental health illness and there is still a the event and from then onwards, many
just chill out’ or ‘you’re thinking irrationally’
•
protested outside in the rain for 7 hours
death, Channel 12 NC news came to report
overthinking’ or ‘you shouldn’t feel like that,
Spreading the word through
social medias
Reaching out to
organisations, clubs, venues etc
Carolina University in North Carolina, USA.
of every individual. Due to the protest and
side. By saying things like ‘you’re
•
started by an international student at East
Unfortunately, 1 in 4 people, especially men,
immediately toss the person’s feelings to the
Peaceful protests against
current situations
health and human rights of every individual-t
No one deserves to feel like this.
I also notice people undermine others and
•
If you are struggling or know someone is,
Samaritans (Phone number: 116 123) are
only a phone call way and will take their time
to listen to you (and it is free). Although they
do not give advice, it does help a lot just
talking about it. Please remember you are not
alone, even if you feel like you are.
I decided to take part in this great cause and
strongly believe that people should be taught
at schools on self-love and accepting
themselves. I will be creating a team to start
this movement in Liverpool and I cannot do
this alone. If you are interested in being part
of the team and want to make a difference,
please contact me via email:
[email protected]
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Shabariesha
network as not everyone has one.
This movement includes:
• Free hug campaigns to spread the word of ‘I
Exist’
You exist and you matter.