March is a great month for raising awareness about mental health. From World Teen Mental Awareness Day on March 1 to World Bipolar Day on March 30, March includes several calendar days dedicated to breaking the mental health stigma that still pervades much of our society.
When I was a young girl, I remember talking about mental illness in condescending tones. I didn’t understand back then what mental illness really was, but my childlike mind felt certain it was something I should fear.
Today, I have a much different perspective regarding mental health. Now, I realize that struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental health challenges isn’t something that should cause shame. The human mind, emotions, and physical health are all interconnected and help make each of us unique.
According to a 2024 study published in the Journal Psychological Medicine, neglecting your mental health can have an impact on your physical health, and vice versa.
As a society, we’ve come a long way toward removing the shame associated with mental health challenges. However, we still have a long way to go before seeing a therapist is as accepted the way seeing a dentist is. Here are some things you and I can do to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Talk Openly About Mental Health
Talking openly about a subject is one of the most effective ways to conquer associated misconceptions, myths, and unfounded fears. If you’re struggling with depression, you probably don’t want to shout it out to all of your neighbors. However, talking with a few trusted friends, family members about your struggles can be a healing process for you and an educational process for them.
If you don’t struggle with mental health but know someone who does, try to become someone they feel comfortable confiding in. Be conscious of the language you use when discussing mental illness and refrain from telling derogatory jokes that make light of people who struggle with their mental health.
Educate Yourself
Educating yourself is another wonderful way to destigmatize mental health. Consider studying peer-reviewed research papers regarding mental health conditions. You can also learn a lot from government sources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Some social media platforms also offer pages dedicated to supporting mental health. It’s important to remember that any social media page could potentially contain some misinformation. Therefore, it’s important to use your best judgment when reviewing the information you find on such sites. Perhaps the very best way to learn more about mental illness is by talking with someone who lives with it every day.
Show Compassion and Withhold Judgment
Too often, people fail to seek help for their mental health challenges because they feel deep shame. You can help them overcome such feelings by allowing them to tell their story without judgment.
Remember that every person on this Earth has a unique path to walk. Sometimes, those paths are fraught with pain, betrayal and trauma. People often develop mental illnesses as a result of genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, or abuse. Be willing to listen to the other person’s story and show genuine compassion without judgment.
Recognize the Benefits of Therapy
For most of my life, I’ve viewed therapy as something you only need if you’ve had traumatic experiences in your life. Thankfully, my view of therapy has changed significantly as I’ve seen its transformative benefits in the lives of loved ones and in my own life. The Mayo Clinic states, “Not everyone who benefits from psychotherapy is diagnosed with a mental illness. Psychotherapy can help with the stresses and conflicts of life that can affect anyone.”
Talking with a therapist can give you the tools and resources you need to learn how to cope with serious mental illness. It can also help you learn how to overcome addictions such as gambling and drug dependence. Therapy can even teach you how to interact in a healthier way with those around you (including your own family members). In short, it can help you become an even better version of yourself while empowering you to conquer your personal struggles.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from talking with a therapist, you may be wondering where to start. You can search online for therapists near you if you want to talk to someone in person. Social media platforms are also great places to find word-of-mouth therapist recommendations from your neighbors, friends, and community members.
There are also online therapy resources such as www.BetterHelp.com and www.ReGain.us that you can turn to if you prefer to engage in online therapy sessions. Remember, you can always shop around for a therapist until you find one that’s a good fit.
According to the NIMH, nearly 60 million adults in the United States are estimated to have some type of mental illness. These people need support from their friends, family, and community members. By following these simple steps to help break the stigma surrounding mental health, you could potentially save a life. It might even be your own.
Publisher’s Note:
See the article on page 19 by Matt Kelly titled “What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do” for additional tips and ideas. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or professional and don’t be scared to ask for help.
