Mental Health Stigma Must End – Now And Forever
Today I want to talk about mental health stigma. In addition to educating others about mental health, a key goal for my blog was breaking the stigma. Too many people still act like mental health is a sign of weakness, that it’s less serious than a physical illness, and that it’s somehow shameful to talk about. Because I’ve had so many mental health issues throughout my life, I am very open about discussing them. I feel no shame, and I have no more fear about discussing mental problems than I would physical ones.
Mental Health Stigma At Work
That’s why I was very sad recently when I discussed mental health and the workplace with someone I know very well. We’ll call her Jean. Jean has also had mental health challenges and an upbringing as difficult as mine was. That’s why I was so surprised when she said that she did feel uncomfortable talking about mental health at work. She has spoken about it, but only with colleagues with whom she had built a relationship.
Jean stated categorically that talking about mental health is very different to talking about physical problems. She was reluctant to talk about it to people she didn’t trust because she felt it was something deeply personal, something that was about her as a person rather than just relating to her body. Jean felt it would make her vulnerable. What if it was discussed behind her back? What if it was held against her?
What Can We Do?
I could quote legislation til the cows come home. We all know that discrimination is illegal and that having a mental illness can in no way be taken into account when applying for a job or mortgage. The fact is until society sees mental illness in the same way as physical illness, people will still feel like they can’t talk about it. They will lie when they have to take sick days and blame tummy bugs, colds or sprained ankles. In short, mental health stigma will continue.
That’s what, as difficult as it is, I encourage anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health (and I imagine that’s almost everyone!) to be honest and talk about it. Make it the topic of a blog post, open up to others, post a status on social media, literally anything to get the word out that mental health stigma must end.
It’s Not All In Your Head!
While there’s no denying mental illness primarily causes psychological and emotional issues, the cause may be physical rather than environmental.
Mental illness runs in families showing there is a genetic component to becoming ill
Brain defects or injuries have caused or exacerbated mental illnesses
Problems during pregnancy or birth can also cause developmental and mental illnesses
Whatever its cause, once depression develops, a change in brain chemistry often accompanies it, which is why antidepressant medications are effective treatments
Please remember that if you feel that you’re being weak for succumbing to mental illness, it is no more your fault than if you tripped over a kerb and broke your ankle. It happens, and it’s normal. You are not weak, you are not broken, and you will get better. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
Seek Help
The point of this article is to end mental health stigma, and one of the reasons that is so vitally important is because the biggest danger is that people will not reach out for help if they need it. If you suspect you, or someone you love, may have a mental illness please, please speak to a doctor or mental health professional. Mental illnesses are treatable, and you will recover and lead a normal life.
Spread The Word
For those of you who have already sought help, well done! You are awesome, and a rock star and should be damned proud of yourself. Putting yourself back together is hard, and some days I still feel like I’m one gentle tap away from collapsing again. If you can, keep an eye on loved ones, friends and colleagues. You know the signs, so you’re perfectly placed to recognise them and offer a helping hand.
If you feel extra brave, then think about speaking out. Could you have a casual chat about mental health with colleagues in the break room? Ask to do a small segment on mental health in a team meeting? Does your office have mental health first aid positions you could apply for? You could even have a bake sale to raise money for a mental health charity.
We need to get the topic of mental health into everyone’s consciousness and end mental health stigma once and for all.
