Earlier this month, I published an article in my biweekly column regarding stigma and mental illness. I received in return what would best be described as an outpouring. I received emails and Facebook messages ranging from wanting to get help for mental health issues but too afraid to tell loved ones to those that had lost a loved one to suicide because again they were afraid to seek help; afraid of what others would think.
This has to stop. Loved ones are dying because the media perpetuates a myth that those with mental health issues are dangerous, forcing those that struggle to not seek help out of fear--fear of being judged or ridiculed, fear of losing a job, or failing a semester at college. The saddest part is that some of this fear is completely justified. People do not understand. There are employers and teachers who think mental health is an excuse for missing assignments or work. There are plenty of people who are terrified of anyone who openly shares that they have a mental illness.
Only we can change this. In my 41 years, I have seen an improvement, plenty of people are more open about emotional struggles than they have been in the past. However, we ae far from where we need to be. The human brain is an organ, just like the heart, the liver or the pancreas.... And talking about it needs to be as easy as talking about having an issue with any other organ.
We also need to stop shaming. If someone loses a job because of emotional stuff, the last thing they need is to feel worse than they already do. We need to actively choose to love and support those that are struggling. Even if, and this is important, we don't understand. Because the truth is we don't understand, we can't understand and we never will. Perhaps we have experienced something similar, it still does not mean we understand. We are all unique human beings who experience life differently. You can be there, you can empathize, but no, you don't understand and that is OK. In case you don't know what this looks like, I have a great video I would love to share with you (don't worry its short and worth the watch).
My challenge for you this week is to start talking!! Lets start a revolution where talking about mental health is normal! Where it is not shamed or embarrassing or a sign of weakness. Talk about it, and encourage others to talk about it. And if you are struggling, reach out!! I answer all of my messages, but it doesn't have to be me! Reach out to anyone that you know loves you!! Let's do this together, so we all have a chance to be happy!!
Comments