Fight The Stigma

It’s no secret that there is a negative perception regarding mental health or illness. Despite what we have heard or been told, it is not easy to talk about something so personal to you. The best way for us, that means you too, to promote mental health and wellness is to simply talk about it. Let’s step out of the dark ages and into the light of the 21st century! Don’t know where to start? Here are a few things that have helped me. It’s ok if you think they won’t work for you, but let’s keep an open mind.

Gain perspective.

Hearing your diagnosis for the first time is like getting punched in the gut. The doctor told me, “I can see this has upset you. Is it because you have been diagnosed with a mental illness?” It was! Then, very seriously, the doctor says, “You are more than your diagnosis and your defining traits have nothing to do with that. Traits such as your compassion, personality, skills, and talents are what make you, you.” That took a moment to sink in.

Depression, for instance, is something you have. It does not define you. Yes, it does make everyday life a little more challenging, but you can take action to minimize your symptoms and control your depression, anxiety, etc. Am I saying this will be easy? No. This will be a long road. Start by speaking to a professional and making a true effort to control and manage your symptoms. Mental illness often shows itself as a physical illness and should be carefully treated.

Share your story

Use your mental health journey to inspire others and encourage them to get help. Show others that even though there are terrible stereotypes about mental illness, they are not true. You have struggled and overcome mental illness, or maybe struggling to overcome it, and that is ok. Use social media and other platforms to send positive messages about mental health. The more you talk about it, the less alone you’ll feel. Sharing with others can be cathartic and empowering for both you and the person reading on the other end. We all struggle, and it helps to know that there are people who will listen without judgment and give an encouraging word now and then.

Educate yourself

And others! Find out what mental illness is, and isn’t, and how you fall into the mix. At the beginning of my journey with anxiety and depression, I was scared and ashamed that something was “wrong” with me. Once I started to educate myself, I felt more confident and started to come up with tools to help myself when I was struggling. Immediately I realized that my inner voice was using hurtful words and labels when I was having a particularly difficult time. I thought this was funny, not haha but ironically, because I would never say the things my inner voice was saying to me, to anyone. They were mean and nasty words meant to belittle me, not build me up. From then on, I completely stop what I am doing if I feel my inner voice is starting to be a bully and tell it to, “SHUT IT!” Sometimes I say it out loud or in front of a mirror. I wouldn’t let anyone else talk to me that way, so why would I talk to myself that way? That has been a very helpful phrase, and occasionally a mantra to get myself back on track.

Be a mental health advocate.

Speak up if you suspect someone may be in a crisis or struggling with their mental health. Send messages of support and assist with finding help if needed. Any signs of self-harm or harming others should be immediately reported.

References

(Fight Stigma and Support Mental Health | Depression Center | Michigan Medicine, n.d.)