Speaking up

Sarah Taryam, Arts Editor

Mental health is important. We at Panorama have been on a mission to raise as much awareness as we can, especially after the year we have all had with the pandemic. This week we take a look at how therapy for mental health is portrayed on television versus how it actually happens in real life.

Since Prince Harry moved to America with his wife Meghan Markle, they have been quite outspoken about their feelings. Prince Harry teamed up with talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and came out with “The Me You Can’t See,” a docuseries about mental health.

The issue with that series is that they don’t seem to make the distinction between mental health issues that arise as a result of a past experience and issues that occur due to a genetic predisposition. There is a difference, some people have a history of family members with bipolar or schizophrenia which raises their chances of suffering with the same conditions. Other people, I would say most people, experience mental health problems because of traumas they have gone through in their lives.

No one is immune to suffering, in fact it seems to be something that unites us all. The key is to get help if you are able to. Speaking up about therapy helps to lessen the stigma that, sadly, still surrounds it. There is no shame in reaching out for professional help. It is actually something to be proud of. If you or anyone you know is suffering with mental health problems, please reach out and get help.

In other news this week, turn to our Health pages to read about the four superfoods that you should have in your fridge. From berries to broccoli, we should be infusing our brains with the best nutrition possible.