As someone who works in the mental health field, I see families, individuals, and strangers who are dealing with the fear of judgement from others regarding their mental health. It’s a topic that we hope won’t be a problem in the future. Mental health effects every one of us in some way. Whether you are struggling with your own mental health or someone you know is, there can be anxiety surrounding communicating it.
There are other factors at play here, which we have seen in many other arenas of human culture, such as the stigma against color, sexuality, and religion. We as a society turn a blind eye to the homeless who are struggling with mental illness, or we stay away from the “weird” kid in class who doesn’t quite get our jokes. We use descriptors to describe people as “they are so bipolar” or “she had a total nervous breakdown” that can be hurtful and narrow minded.
As with racism that is still very much alive today (unfortunately), and with the difficulties understanding people with different beliefs, mental health has been added to a list of topics that is difficult to understand or change. We hope that as generations pass “things will get better”. We hope that one day everyone can feel assured that they aren’t alone in their struggles. There is nothing more deafening than feeling like your own mind is against you.
Since the increase in completed suicides recently, and more people bringing mental health into discussion, it has opened a lot of doors. But as a society we still have a distance to go.
1. People are reluctant to seek help
I wish I could estimate the amount of people who end up in the emergency room pleading, “I just can’t do it anymore” or “I pushed it off as long as I can”. One, it is absolutely heartbreaking for the person who feels like they hit rock bottom. They often feel like “failures” which is definitely not the case. Two, they have spent too much of their time trying to suppress and hide what they are going through. I have seen people look back and wish they would’ve dealt with the earlier signs, so it didn’t progress to the that point it reached. There are earlier signs telling you it’s time to get help (Check out this post for a deeper look into those signs). Three, once people get through their current “crisis” there is a greater chance they won’t follow up with consistent care.
2. Feeling alone
One of the most dangerous signs of mental illness is feeling hopeless. When people are surrounded by people who “don’t understand” they often begin to feel isolated. This leads to hopelessness, which leads to crisis. It’s important to have people to lean on whether that’s using a support group or knowing and trusting people who have had similar issues. Don’t isolate and don’t let the ones you love isolate.
3. Less Opportunities
Isolation and feeling like success isn’t reachable can lead to even more havoc. It can lead to less job opportunities and loss of important life events like socialization, education, and life experiences. The cycle of isolation is detrimental. I’ve seen people miss their children’s weddings, drop out of school, or missed important opportunities to say goodbye to loved ones because they couldn’t face the world.
4. Shame and Doubt
People often become associated with their mental illness more easily than they do with medical issues. For example, diabetes is a condition people adapt to and it becomes a part of their routine. Mental illness is often seen as a personal weakness and can progress to self-destruction. It’s not a character flaw. If anything, it takes amazing amounts of strength and perseverance to see the benefits, cope, and get help.
The most important way to prevent these issues is to use your voice. Take a moment to speak to someone you notice is down, or reach out to someone who has been acting differently. Stand up for someone who is struggling in the workplace If you know someone who is going through something, be there. Even just a reminder that you’re thinking of them. With enough effort, mental health can normalized and proper channels can be used so people can live their best lives. No one should be ostracized or feel alone. Sometimes, all it takes is… you.
Here are some local and national support networks to reach out to for more information.
NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Health) (https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI)
MHA (Mental Health America) http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/recovery-support
NAMI and MHA offer local and supportive groups and resources to help those with mental illness. They also have crisis lines and support.
