By Alexis Craft, Staff
May is mental health awareness month. The facts are that mental illness is very common and affects all age groups. Do you know that 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 youth ages 6-17 experience a mental disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Suicide is one of the top leading causes of death and is the 2nd leading cause of death for kids ages 10-13. Suicide rates have increased by 31% since 2001. It is important that we talk about mental health, raise awareness and break any stigma around it. Stigma for many can be a barrier to seeking treatment.
The stigma surrounding mental illness is a tale as old as time. Although there has been more awareness about mental health through the years, the stigma still exists. Many individuals struggling with mental illness continue to find themselves facing ostracism, prejudice, and discrimination. Why does this stigma remain? There is lingering misunderstanding around mental illness and that translates to fear, then stigma. When someone strays from the average, there is a label of “otherness” cast over that person. It’s a way for the majority to disassociate themselves from what they do not understand, and to rise to a superior position.
The impact of this stigma is far reaching and devastating. Some internalize this stigma and become so ashamed of themselves and embarrassed of their condition that they may hesitate to seek treatment, and untreated mental illness can lead to broken relationships, work or school dissatisfaction, substance abuse, decline in physical health and even suicide. Others may find themselves in a constant fight to prove their credibility as a person after their illness is found out by those who do not understand. Even well-meaning friends and family members perpetuate this stigma by saying things like “You aren’t trying hard enough”, “Just be happy”, or “It’s not that bad! You are just seeking attention”. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic person “Just produce more insulin!” would you? Comments like these trivialize and invalidate the experiences of those battling a mental illness, and only worsen what is already a challenging topic.
We must recognize as a society and a culture that mental illness is just as real as physical illness. This stigma is costing some extremely vulnerable people their peace and sometimes their lives. We are each responsible for doing our part to make this stigma disappear.
So what CAN we do to get rid of the stigma? Here’s just a few ideas.
The stigma surrounding mental illness is a tale as old as time. Although there has been more awareness about mental health through the years, the stigma still exists. Many individuals struggling with mental illness continue to find themselves facing ostracism, prejudice, and discrimination. Why does this stigma remain? There is lingering misunderstanding around mental illness and that translates to fear, then stigma. When someone strays from the average, there is a label of “otherness” cast over that person. It’s a way for the majority to disassociate themselves from what they do not understand, and to rise to a superior position.
The impact of this stigma is far reaching and devastating. Some internalize this stigma and become so ashamed of themselves and embarrassed of their condition that they may hesitate to seek treatment, and untreated mental illness can lead to broken relationships, work or school dissatisfaction, substance abuse, decline in physical health and even suicide. Others may find themselves in a constant fight to prove their credibility as a person after their illness is found out by those who do not understand. Even well-meaning friends and family members perpetuate this stigma by saying things like “You aren’t trying hard enough”, “Just be happy”, or “It’s not that bad! You are just seeking attention”. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic person “Just produce more insulin!” would you? Comments like these trivialize and invalidate the experiences of those battling a mental illness, and only worsen what is already a challenging topic.
We must recognize as a society and a culture that mental illness is just as real as physical illness. This stigma is costing some extremely vulnerable people their peace and sometimes their lives. We are each responsible for doing our part to make this stigma disappear.
So what CAN we do to get rid of the stigma? Here’s just a few ideas.
- Have kindness and compassion for others. It costs nothing to be a friend, but it means everything to someone who needs it. Check in on your friends and family. If a friend seems more distant or withdrawn ask them what they may be experiencing.
- Talk about it. The best way to break the stigma is to talk about mental health openly. You will come to find that when you share your experiences, others will open up too and you will find support and feel less alone.
- Educate yourself and others. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, read about it and learn more. Talk with others who may have a similar diagnosis. Become familiar with it so it is no longer a foreign concept. If you hear someone making negative comments about someone experiencing mental illness, educate them.
- Keep an open mind. Understand that other people’s experiences are going to be different than yours. Everyone is going through something and has their own unique story.
- Listen! Let others express themselves openly and honestly and listen without judgement.