Mental Health & Breaking the Stigma
Mental health: let's talk about it. No, really, let's talk about it. Ever felt anxiety, depression, isolation, fear, and an array of other things and never talked about them in fear of what others may say? Even if you had the courage to bring it up, at any age, were the responses anywhere similar to “what are you sad about? You have everything you need.” “you can’t have anxiety” “just suck it up and you will be fine.”.. those responses make it difficult to ever want to open up about anything again.
If you struggle with mental health, that is okay. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We have to be able to take care of our mind and emotions just as much as we do our physical bodies. Mental health can impact the rest of your body. Poor mental health can also cause somatic symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, stomach aches and so many other things. Having a healthy mental state and mind is an inherent part of a healthy body. Mental health is simply an aspect of one’s overall health.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health plays a huge factor in the gap between the two. One of the first steps into breaking the stigma is to inform. Here are some facts that, unfortunately, go unseen a lot of the time due to the stigma.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental health illness
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness
17% of youth (6-17 years of age) experience a mental health disorder
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide
Understanding that our mind and physical body go hand-in-hand is one thing, trying to break the stigma and get others to listen and talk about their mental health is another. It is difficult to open up when others either shut down the topic or never bring it up. It can be scary to be the one to bring it up first. Here are a few ways to try to shift your thinking and combat the stigma of mental health:
Educate yourself and others
There is no problem with not knowing – educate yourself by reading about the topic to become more knowledgeable and help others understand mental health and the truth and misconceptions around it.
2. Be conscious of your language
A lot of the time we don’t think about our choice of language before we speak. Reminding yourself and others about the language matters. In doing so, we help ourselves and others refrain from using mental health conditions as adjectives.
3. Compassion
We may know a lot of people who suffer from a mental illness, allowing ourselves to be the support they need can help them feel more open about the way they express themselves and their comfortability with mental health.
4. Empowerment over shame
Working towards self-acceptance and self-love can play a huge role in minimizing the stigma around the people you know. This will help with not allowing others actions, thoughts, and words dictate how you view yourself or how you feel about yourself. It is not a sign of weakness to acknowledge mental health, in fact, it is a sign of strength
5. Speak out against the stigma
Even when we are trying to reduce the stigma of mental health, there may be times when it resurfaces around us. When the opportunity presents itself, speak out against it.
Dr. Elyn Saks, J.D., Ph.D., once said “the humanity we all share is more important than the mental illness we may not”. It is imperative we break the stigma so those of us who are struggling, and don’t or can’t reach out due to the stigma surrounding it, can get the help and support needed.
