Why are we still afraid to speak of mental health?
First of all: What exactly is mental health? Let's dive in.
Mental health and Mental illness are not the same thing, despite the loads of individuals who believe so, they are indeed different.
Think of it this way: Everybody has health, therefore everybody has mental health.
Our emotions, well-being, thoughts, and feelings are all part of mental health.
Now, something that interrupts your mental state and disrupts how you act, think, or communicate with others may be considered mental illness.
I personally conducted a small, last minute Q&A. "Why do you think people are still afraid to talk about mental health?"
Most individuals had similar responses, such as the lack of understanding mental health and mental illness, not wanting to be treated differently, and the fear of being excluded.
1.) "Because on the outside, we look normal and happy, but the reality is we hurt on the inside. Why do we hide behind it? Because of the old fashion ‘oh, they must be nuts'"
2.) "People will look down on you, even though there’s nothing wrong with having anxiety or bipolar. They will judge you. Hard." 3.) "I personally think it's over statued. Almost everyone these days suffer from depression and anxiety. Why don't they speak up? I'm sure some fear it may come across as if they were seeking attention or validation."
4.) "They're scared of being locked up. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."
5.) "I think people tend to bottle it up, their emotions and all. Based on my experience, they act completely different once it's brought up."
6.) "I suppose they feel ashamed. People tend to get annoyed when I talk about my depression."
7.) "It's difficult to get your point across when you're on the autism spectrum."
8.) "Because it's still stigmatized. They associate mental illness with 'being crazy'."
9.) "I don't want people to feel like I'm reaching out for attention."
10.) "I don't know, really. I don't think about it that much. I try not to worry about why or why not they don't discuss it."
Well, there you have it, folks. When it comes right down to it, it's a matter of fear.
Thinking won't overcome fear, but action will. What will you do today to spread the reminder that when it comes to mental health, it is okay to talk about it?
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