Overcoming the Stigma Around Mental Health

In some ways, mental health treatment has come a long way. Modern treatments are humane, science-based, and effective. However, there is still a stigma around mental illness. People may be reluctant to acknowledge their mental health struggles because of fears that it will have negative repercussions in their personal and professional lives. However, ignoring mental health issues does nothing to help resolve those problems. Instead, it often makes the problems worse. Effective treatment of mental health issues begins with breaking the stigma around mental health.

For years, mental issues have been equated with weakness or character deficiencies. That is in no way the truth. However, it has led to people suffering in silence. Even if people get help, they often do so in secret. It can mean that you have multiple people in a family or friend group all suffering in isolation.

It is overly simplistic to suggest that people just need to open up about their struggles with mental health. That can be overwhelming for someone who feels healthy, much less someone who is actively in the midst of a mental health crisis. Completely eliminating the stigma will take a concerted effort from all of society because every single one of us is impacted by struggles with mental health.

It would be easy to say that mental health should be treated like physical health. However, the reality is that we live in a society where people are routinely shamed for other health conditions, as well. While lifestyle can contribute to both physical and mental health disorders, the reality is that no one chooses to experience a mental health crisis. No one deserves to live in a crisis.

Fortunately, help is available. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you can be assured that Greater Essex will respect your privacy. You can get treatment without providing that information to other people. We can also help you discuss mental health issues with people in your life so that you are not struggling with healing and educating at the same time.

Once you are in a better position, we encourage you to share your mental health experiences with others. The more people discuss their journeys; the more others will see that they are not alone. You may also want to seek out support groups to have a support system in place to help you if you struggle in the future.