We need to treat our people better

Mental health and why it is important

 

As defined by mentalhealth.gov, "Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood."

Then why as a society, do we still entertain trains of thought that disregard mental health as important as physical health? Ignoring the existence of mental health will not make it go away - it will only make it worse. 

 

Mental health has been stigmatized for years and many are still questioning why

Often, when one thinks of a depression or anxiety, one would automatically assume that it is just a “phase” or it is the person inflicting that state of mind upon them. This is far from the truth. Those who suffer from mental illness are still living their day to day lives with a mask to fool the world into thinking their daily algorithm is getting them by. Just because mental illness cannot always be physically seen, it is still more stagnant than ever. 

Stigma is a very dangerous concept to inflict. As stigma often forces people to be humiliated of something that is out of their control and thus will discourage them from seeking the proper health that they need. This stigma with mental health occurs all too often because we have not been socialized to express these concepts as normal or even accepted. 

How we can evolve as a society to change the stigma associated with mental health

The ability to break down the stigma associated with mental health can only be done by addressing it and working towards understanding. So next time you have the opportunity, trying doing so by the ways below:

Educating not only yourself, but others

 

Talk openly about mental health as you would physical health

 

Use respectful language

 

Choose empowerment before judgment

 

Supporting others through recovery

You have the ability to make a world of a difference, so talk mental health today.