Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: What Should Be Done to Overcome It

It's normal for many people to ask for professional help and treatment whenever they get injured or sick. But sadly, for some who are experiencing mental illnesses such as hopelessness, isolation, loneliness, anxiety, 

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And depression, asking for help isn't always the top solution. They often stay quiet, thinking that others will either judge or ignore them. The scarier part is that messages from society, media, and culture cause so much more stress and worry for them.

Believe it or not, the mental illness stigma is a saddening reality, from the wrong beliefs to the negative attitudes. It does not only hinder proper treatment and recovery but can also cause unhealthy boundaries in relationships. Suppose you or any loved one is struggling from any mental illness or even addition or abuse that can probably contribute to it. In that case, it's highly recommended to carry out these helpful steps for health recovery or prevention.

1. Seek professional treatment

Seeking treatment can be a scary stage for many who are diagnosed with mental illnesses. But if you want to recover, this is something you should not ignore. If you are still not diagnosed but are already struggling with cognitive health-related behaviors such as drug abuse or alcoholism, immediately consult a doctor. They can recommend you to a good rehab center for proper drug or alcohol abuse treatment. Or, in case you're already suffering from mental illnesses on top of your addictions, they can readily guide you towards a more complex recovery program.

With that in mind, you must watch out for behavior or personality changes that take a toll on your mental health. If you're noticing any unhealthy habits, it's best to seek professional help immediately. If you feel that this is such a massive step for you, you can start talking to your loved ones first about your struggles. Their genuine support and words can make you more confident in obtaining a recovery program.

1. Pick your words wisely.

The way you talk about mental health and illnesses has a significant impact on your or others' journey towards prevention or recovery. For instance, if you are currently suffering from anxiety or depression, consider yourself delusional to feel less worried is not a good language. It's just a way of dismissing your condition. Just think about how much you are affected by what the media or the majority of the public says about your schizophrenia. It feels devastating, right? Like there's no hope for you to live a happy life. This is precisely why your words matter. Practice expressing or stating accurate phrases related to mental health.

Instead of saying, "I'm crazy," you should say, "I struggle with depression," or "I suffer from bipolar disorder," or "I was diagnosed with PTSD." Stop watching or listening to shows or people that do not show respect and compassion for individuals like you. Instead, you should surround yourself with those who know the kind of language to use.

1. Join a support group 

Isolating yourself is never a solution for overcoming your mental health struggles. And one thing you can do is join a national or local support group that can provide appropriate resources and programs. These groups have dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable members about educating others regarding mental illnesses, from identifying the root behavioral problems to choosing the proper treatment.

They run their programs towards empowerment and helping reduce the stigma. For instance, you can check out reputable resources from groups like The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). You can also try checking out programs or groups in your local area for more convenient access.

1. Educate yourself and others

Educating yourself is the initial step towards conquering the endless learning curve of mental health and illnesses. Talk to people who are also struggling with mental health conditions, read memoirs relating to living with mental health problems, or indulge yourself in contemporary media that discusses the intricacies of the topic. At the same time, it's also important to share what you know with others. Some common myths you can dispel include mental health is part of the overall health and that disorders related to mental health are treatable conditions.

It certainly is admirable if you couldn't let others' opinions affect your life. But sometimes, putting that into action is a real struggle. Apart from a healthy recovery, these tips can also be beneficial for the prevention of mental illness. If you know someone suffering from unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse that could potentially contribute to mental disorders, take the opportunity to help them with prevention.