Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health
Kirti Kasat
March 18 , 2024
In today's world where people talk about their physical health openly, conversations about mental health remain under the shadow. Mental health is an important aspect of our lives, affecting our emotional, psychological and social health. It influences how we feel, think and act in situations. Despite being an integral part, discussing it seems like a stigma in society.
When we feel sick or cold, we don't hesitate to seek help from a doctor or take medications. So why do we feel shy when it comes to even talking about out mental struggles? More than 70% of individuals avoid or delay seeking help when they struggle mentally due to fear of being judged and treated differently. This is due to the stigmas surrounding mental health.
Mental health stigmas refers to the negative beliefs people have about mental struggles and seeking help. The stigma attached casts shadow, leading to fear, shame, guilt, and discrimination. Individuals suffer in silence, fearing judgements from others. Mental health is as common as physical health. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or status.
Harmful effects of stigma
Feeling scared to ask for help or get treatment.
People not understanding you, including your family, friends, or people you work with.
Finding it hard to get a job, go to school, or join social activities, and even struggling to find a place to live.
Being bullied, hurt, or harassed because of your mental health.
Having health insurance that doesn't cover enough of your mental health treatment.
Thinking that you'll never be able to succeed in certain things or improve your situation.
Photo by Marcel Strauß Team on Unsplash
Ways to overcome stigma surrounding mental health
By providing accurate information about mental health conditions, their causes, and treatments to all the sectors of society including offices, schools, workplaces and communities, we can remove the myths and misconceptions.
Creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences can foster empathy and understanding. Encouraging honest conversations about mental wellness would help break down barriers and remove stigma.
Sharing experiences of recovery and resilience can inspire others to seek help and challenge negative stereotypes on platforms such as social media, public forums, and storytelling events.
By standing up against discrimination, we create a more supportive environment for everyone.
Ensuring that mental health services are accessible and affordable is crucial for reducing stigma. By prioritizing mental health treatment and support, we demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Breaking the taboo around mental health calls for action, bravery, and compassion from all of us. We can make a society where mental health is understood, and prioritised by fighting stigma, sharing experiences, creating supportive networks, and advocating for easily accessible services.
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