How often is mental health a part of your conversation? Although mental health is an essential component of your overall health, it is frequently considered a taboo subject that is barely broached.

When you openly speak about mental health, it contributes to destigmatization. Your conversation might make it acceptable for people struggling with mental disorders to seek assistance, develop coping mechanisms, and begin the process of healing.

Liza/Pexels | This is largely because mental diseases have historically been associated with stigma

“My struggle with infertility has left a mark.”

– Kayla Shantelle, 28.

I’ve always yearned to have children. At this point in my pregnancy—27 weeks—I want to be enthusiastic, but I actually feel a great deal of worry. I suffered my first miscarriage four years ago, and I experienced a second one with my current partner at the beginning of the previous year.

After the miscarriage, I had endometriosis surgery, and we tried to get pregnant for a year again. I always felt down when I got my period, or a pregnancy test came back negative. My mental health was damaged by the pressure and stress. I was really struggling and experiencing continual anxiety. Those feelings persisted even after I became pregnant and went through the 12-week point.

Kayla/Womenshealth | Mental health changes associated with pregnancy need to be taken seriously

I scheduled an appointment with a psychologist, and she advised me to express my emotions. It was comforting to hear her say, “Your emotions are valid, and you’re permitted to feel however you feel.”

Speaking openly about my feelings with my husband and friends rather than holding them inside or putting on a brave face has also been helpful to me. Although pregnancy loss is very common, because it is not spoken about publicly, it can be a lonely experience. My mental health has improved since I’ve spoken my story.

“I find motivation from advocation for awareness.”

– Lauren McDonough, 25.

I clearly recall every detail of that day. I can still picture leaving my home, going to the railroad tracks, standing in the path of an approaching train, and getting hit by it. More than anything, I recall the sense of hopelessness. I had attempted suicide before and was given a depressive diagnosis when I was 14 years old. Five years later, it was still the same.

I eventually lost my right leg as well after the crash, and an infection caused me to lose my left leg. I was in the hospital for five and a half months, and I also spent a lot of time focusing on my recuperation and figuring out how to walk with prosthetic legs.

Lauren/Womenshealth | Doctors said she’d never walk again – but she did

After what happened, I was identified as having a unique type of untreatable depression. Therapy and medication don’t help me. I will always have to deal with it. I’ve had to identify my triggers and figure out how to control my depressive periods with the assistance of experts and my family’s support. Engaging in activities I’m passionate about, such as raising awareness of mental health, keeps me motivated. My two long-haired German Shepherds, Indy and Zahra, are also a massive help to my mental health.

When I was 19, I had given up. I’ve rediscovered it, nevertheless, at age 25. I want to talk about mental health becoming more commonplace. I want everyone who is having a hard time to realize that they are not alone and that there is support out there.