Health is not just being free from disease; it is defined as a state of complete physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. With the evolution of the internet and its increased use by people have generated awareness among people and made them prioritize their mental health alongside their physical health. Though people have easy access to the internet and have knowledge but mental health or mental illness are still highly stigmatised.
The stigma among people about mental health is not a surprise because 1 out of 5 in the US faces mental health conditions. Parallely, many people are open to the idea of sharing their thoughts and personal experiences drawn with mental health issues. The stigma affects millions of people around the world who are prone to such problems. It has a massive impact on social relationships and professional opportunities in terms of the level at which they see themselves.
What is mental health stigma?
Mental health stigma is not new as it has been viewed for decades as people have developed negative characteristics or thoughts about specific aspects- physical, mental, or otherwise.
“Mental health stigma” or “Mental illness stigma” is associated with the stigma attached to mental health conditions and the discrimination that takes place to the people who are living with them. Lack of understanding, religious beliefs, and personal thoughts are also bases for stigma among people who are prone to mental health conditions.
Generally, harmful assumptions about people living with mental health problems and lack of understanding about mental health conditions are at the heart of bias or stigma.
This can result in avoidance, rejection, infantilization, and other discrimination against people who are neurodivergent or have a mental health condition.
How to help break the stigma?
Enhanced understanding
The stigma of mental health is a harmful and pervasive phenomenon as it creates an environment of fear, judgment, and discrimination among people. Such a thought process prevents them from seeking support or help from others. You need to develop your understanding that mental health is not a disease and it doesn’t discriminate from one another. You need to shift your perspective to fully grasp that mental health problems are not specific and can affect the individual from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, background, and gender.
Understanding needs to be developed that mental illness does not indicate any failure or willpower of an individual. However, it is a legitimate medical condition that requires paramount treatment, similar to other illnesses. Mental illness is equivalent to any other healthcare problem in an individual.
Educate yourself
If you want to break the stigma, you need to have knowledge or information about mental health problems and their symptoms. You need to educate yourself regarding the treatment available for such mental health conditions. Having the desired knowledge affirms you to provide insight to others confidently on suitable subjects and helps you give the right information to others. You can also seek assistance from various online sources to gain more mental health knowledge.
Start small conversation
You don’t have to focus on in-depth conversation; you should start with small talk regarding mental health. You can talk to your trusted friend, family member, or relative to share your experiences and problems. Having small conversations will lead you to more understanding and in-depth knowledge. This will act as a solid foundation for initiating more in-depth discussions in the future.
Active listener
If you are dealing with a person with mental health conditions, it is imperative to be a good and active listener. This relates to having an understanding of their problems, asking questions, and paying attention while showing empathy and understanding. Don’t be judgemental towards their situation or dismiss their feelings as it develops trust. Having open conversations with people makes mental health problems normal and makes it easy for people to seek support and help from others when needed. It also allows us to offer compassion to struggling people, helping them feel less alone and isolated.
Practice self-care
Practicing self-care is the best way to empower oneself by becoming the best version of oneself- impacting people around them positively. Self-care is highly crucial for maintaining and improving mental health by involving intentionally taking care of oneself physically, emotionally and psychologically. Engaging in self-care activities helps reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life. By practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and seeking support, individuals can improve their quality of life and well-being. By investing in self-care, individuals nurture their bodies and cultivate a peaceful mindset required for creating a positive environment.
Encourage help-seeking behavior– People with mental health issues have a fear of being judged by others, which creates a barrier for them in seeking help or support. Promoting help-seeking practices among people will encourage them to focus on well-being and healthy life. This involves advocating for accessible mental health services, normalizing therapy and counseling, and encouraging individuals to prioritize their mental health as they would their physical health. At the time, when people feel supported or encouraged to seek help from others, they are more inclined towards their self-care practices while having access to relevant resources.
Speak up
When you hear any stigmatized statement or comment against mental conditions or mental health problems, you should take a stand and speak up for the facts. Challenging the statement and speaking about the real facts of the mental health condition will help in imparting information to people. It will directly influence people’s dialect while reducing the stigma and creating a more understanding and accepting environment for people.
The Power of Vulnerability
Talking about mental health in recovery can feel daunting. But remember, vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s strength. By sharing your story, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re contributing to a movement for positive change. You’re breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.
The road to recovery isn’t always easy. But by fostering open conversations and dismantling the stigma around mental health, we can create a path paved with support, understanding, and hope. Let’s keep talking, keep listening, and keep working towards a future where mental wellness is celebrated, not silenced.