We all know that mental health matters – but unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health is still strong in many parts of the world. Too often, people affected by mental illness or emotional distress secondary to a mental health condition are made to feel as if they are standing alone without help or support. This has to change. That’s why this article aims to break the stigma around mental health and promote awareness of the importance of good mental health for all.
1. Mental Health Matters: Introducing Awareness
Mental health is an issue that affects everyone. The World Health Organisation considers it a major public health issue, as it can affect our relationships, our livelihoods and even our physical health. Introducing mental health awareness is key to making sure people are better informed about how to take care of themselves.
- Recognize emotional reactions; Some emotions such as shame, may be experienced more intensely by people experiencing mental health issues.
- Speak up; Noticing mental health issues in someone and being the one having the courage to start the conversation is key. Providing empathy and an open mind will help the person feel more comfortable in talking about their experience.
- Allow space for self-care; Life can be busy and stressful, making it easy to forget to take care of one’s mental health. Allocating regular time-outs for relaxation or even just giving oneself permission to take a break can be very helpful.
Having an open and accepting environment is key to understanding how mental health can affect different people in different ways. Creating an inclusive workplace, school or other group is essential in creating a safe space to talk about mental health issues without the fear of judgement.
By increasing understanding and removing stigma, more people will be willing to speak up about their own mental health issues and ask for help. Providing help and guidance, either from professionals or peer support, can be really effective in creating a positive outcome.
Reaching out and connecting are two of the most important parts of mental health awareness. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to ensure mental health issues are properly addressed.
2. Examining the Social Stigma of Mental Illness
Mental illness has been a difficult topic to discuss in our society, carrying with it a stigma of shame, weakness, and guilt. But despite the uneasiness of speaking openly about mental health, it is essential that people are educated on the realities of living with mental illness.
The Social Stigma
The mental health stigma that exists in society is a pervasive issue that can be difficult to identify. It manifests in many ways; from stereotypes and stifling conversations, to discrimination and social exclusion. Studies have shown that people with mental health diagnoses are often treated unfairly by their peers and stigmatized by their communities.
Individuals with mental illness can feel judged for being ‘different’ and experience rejection from their community. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, powerlessness, and even isolation. These feelings can create or exacerbate mental health issues, leading to even greater stigma.
Breaking the Stigma
The first step in fighting the stigma of mental illness is bringing awareness to the public realm. Promoting mental health education initiatives in various forms can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. It can be used to spread accurate information about mental health and its associated disorders, so people begin to understand that mental illness can happen to anyone.
Creating an environment of acceptance can further help to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Providing support to those living with mental illness can make a world of difference in breaking down the wall of stigma and shame. This means encouraging an atmosphere of open dialogue and understanding in order to cultivate an environment that is free of fear and prejudice.
Changing the Conversation
By changing the way we talk about mental health, we can begin to make a difference in the way society perceives mental illness. Research has indicated that using respectful language when discussing mental health can go a long way in challenging the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate the stigma.
Instead of using words such as ‘mentally ill’ and ‘insane’ when talking about mental health, words such as ‘mentally unwell’ and ‘experiencing mental distress’ should be used instead. By using more constructive, positive language, we can help to create a more inclusive society that is inclusive to everyone.
Understanding and empathy should be the cornerstone of any conversation about mental health. People affected by mental illness should be given the respect they deserve. In order to see meaningful change in how mental health is addressed, we must first examine our own views and preconceived notions about mental illness. Only then can we truly start to break the stigma.
3. Facilitating Change and Support
Implementing effective change can be a daunting process, but there are strategies you can use to make it easier. Here are three ways to facilitate change and support:
- Provide clear communication. Establish a consistent system of communication for both large and small changes. Make sure all employees understand the implications of any changes, and make it easy for them to find answers to their questions. Point people to resources such as FAQs or online tutorials.
- Get feedback. Regularly solicit input from your team to make sure they understand the reasons behind the changes and that the implementation process is going smoothly. Your team should feel like their opinion matters and that their feedback will be taken into account.
- Lead by example. Show your team that you’re committed to the change by following it yourself. Adopt new technologies or processes, or start using different management techniques. If you demonstrate commitment to the process, it will help convince others to follow suit.
Your employees are likely to be more supportive of change if their trust and confidence are built up. Demonstrate to them the value of the new process or technology and how it will ultimately benefit them in their roles. Make sure the team is aware of what’s expected of them and are given appropriate training to ensure that they can succeed.
In addition to providing resources for employees to learn about changes, most organizations need to plan ahead for any unforeseen challenges or disruptions in order to stay on track. Make sure your team understands who can make decisions in certain situations and how teams should collaborate to support faster implementation of the changes.
Ultimately, making sure change is implemented effectively requires proactive planning and communication. If you take the time to engage your employees, provide resources, and implement strategies for change, you will be better placed to facilitate successful changes in your organization.
4. Cultivating a Positive Outlook on Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial part of a person’s overall wellbeing — is imperative for one’s success in life. Fortunately, there are many ways to cultivate a positive outlook on mental health.
First and foremost, always remember the importance of self-care for your wellbeing. Self-care activities such as exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and finding your hobbies can help promote a healthy state of mind. Additionally, dedicating some time to yourself each day to relax and meditate can help clear your mind and positively affect your mental health as well.
Connecting with those around you is also an important aspect of . Reach out to your family and friends and talk with them about how you feel — it is comforting to know that your loved ones are there for you during those times when you feel down. You can even practice stress-reduction techniques with your friends, such as going for a walk together or having a conversation in a peaceful environment.
Finally, identify the coping mechanisms that work best for you. Everybody responds differently to stress and anxiety, so it is important to find the method that best fits you. This could range from journaling and painting to going for a jog or listening to your favorite music. The key is to make sure you have fun while using the coping mechanisms – it helps to take the weight off your shoulders and boost your mental wellbeing.
- Practice self-care – from getting enough sleep to finding your hobbies, take care of yourself.
- Connect with your loved ones – find comfort in talking with your family and friends.
- Use effective coping mechanisms – identify the best way to unwind, recharge, and refocus yourself.
It’s all about creating a safe space to talk about mental health where people know they will be heard and supported. We won’t be able to break the stigma unless we create a better understanding of mental health that everyone understands and can relate to. Together, we can end the stigma and ensure that mental health awareness is always prioritized where it matters–in our homes, workplaces, schools and communities.
