May is Mental Health Awareness Month. What is the purpose of bring awareness about mental health? Well today there is a stigma towards mental illness. Like many things it has come along way but there is still so much more room to grow.
How is Mental Health Stigmatized?
There are two types of stigma that can be in correspondence with mental health according to Psychology Today. The social stigma and the perceived stigma. The social stigma is the judgment, prejudices and discrimination from others about mental illness and towards those with a mental illness. The perceived stigma is that in which we perceive others of having. This an often be due to our own shame we feel others are judging or discriminating against us due to our mental health.
Ways to Fight the Mental Health Stigma
- Talk openly about mental health. Share your story.
- Educate yourself and teach others.
- Be aware of the language you use. Know what is best not to say to those with mental health concerns and learn what is helpful and reassuring. Remember too each person is different. Each person may need different things for reassurance. Be open and understanding.
- Learn about the suffering of those with mental health concerns. There is a current separation of how physical illness is treated compared to mental illness. Help bridge the gap.
- Support each other. Whether or not you have a mental illness or not, support each other. Be aware of mental health concerns, educate yourself, be there for someone that may need your support. Be open and honest and as understanding as possible.
- Do not hold personal stigma. This is mostly for those with mental health concerns. Do not stigmatize yourself. Do not hold shame for your health concerns.
Why is Bringing Awareness So Important?
Hiding, feeling shame, and feeling broken are huge problems for those who suffer from mental illness. When there is a stigma towards mental illness we do all these things. The stigma can actually be detrimental to those with mental illness and can actually make them worse. Feeling shame for their anxiety, depression, bipolar, or other disorders can make them feel worse about their diagnoses. It can make them feel broken and unworthy.
When those with mental illness are able to openly discuss their mental health they are able to come to terms with who they are, get help when needed, and fight the fight they need to survive. Also, when those with mental illness are able to share openly without fear of judgment or discrimination they also find many others also suffering. This connection helps each individual. They are able to share their experiences and know, they are not alone.
What can you do?
Educate yourself. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, they are a wonderful organization that works to help those with mental health concerns, bring awareness, and end stigma and discrimination. They have a great page of resources. One of which I highly recommend has several movies to watch. Take a look.
Take the Pledge
NAMI has a great pledge to end stigma. In taking the pledge you promise to “learn about mental health—educate myself and others; see the person not the illness—strive to listen, understand, tell my own story; take action—spread the word, raise awareness, make a difference.” Take the Pledge Here.
Do you suffer? Do you know someone who does? How can others help? Please let others know what helps you?