Having a mental health issue can be daunting. Not only do you have to cope with the difficulties of managing a mental health condition, but you may also deal with the feeling of being isolated or stigmatized by society. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that mental health matters, but addressing the social stigma and seeking support is of paramount importance when struggling with a mental health disorder. This article will explore the benefits of recognizing the importance of mental health, and an overview of how to address the stigma and seek support.
1. Acknowledging Mental Health Struggles
As mental health becomes an increasingly discussed and studied subject, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge our own inner struggles. Too often we put on a brave face, but for our own wellbeing, it’s essential to admit when we need help. Here are a few steps we can take to acknowledge and address our mental health problems.
1. Talk to Someone
Talking is often seen as the most obvious suggestion, but it can be the most powerful way to get mentally healthy. Talking to a friend or family member can go a long way, but it’s also important to look for professionals that can provide you with the right guidance. It can be daunting to open up to a stranger, but psychotherapists, counselors, and other healthcare providers can offer valuable, evidence-based advice.
2. Write it Out
Writing out our thoughts and feelings can be the easiest way to work out what’s going on in our heads. Whether it’s jotting down a few notes on a piece of paper or keeping a journal, allowing our thoughts to hit the page can help us make sense of them. Keeping a mental health diary can also be useful to track changes in our emotions over time.
3. Enjoy Nature
Science has proven that connecting with nature can have a tremendous impact on our mental state. Simple activities like taking a walk in the woods, exploring a local park, or just lying in the grass can help us clear our heads and explore our feelings. For those of us living in cities, green spaces can be particularly effective at teaching us a deeper sense of self.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is vital for mental wellbeing. Make time for the activities you enjoy, don’t forget to eat properly, and make sure to get enough sleep. Balancing work and leisure is key – setting aside a certain amount of time for fun activities can be a great way to break up the day. Reflect on what works for you and come up with a plan that will allow you to take some relaxation each day.
5. Finding Professional Help
If your mental health struggles are too overwhelming and you can’t feel comfortable talking to someone or writing it out, you may need to consider seeing a professional. Your regular physician may be able to refer you to someone with the right expertise, or a quick online search can help you find a psychologist or mental health counselor. Don’t be afraid to seek out advice- it could be the difference between living a happy and healthy life.
2. Shifting the Conversation Around Mental Health
When it comes to mental health, society’s dialogue has traditionally been mired in anxiety and confusion. To shift away from such an unhelpful stance, more open and positive conversations need to be encouraged. Here are a few approaches to keep in mind so that mental health becomes less of a secret and more of an accepted topic of discussion:
- Bring it up – raise the topic of mental health when friends and family are around. Let them know that it is a topic that’s worth discussing.
- Check in – ask how those around you are doing. If they don’t feel comfortable talking, suggest that they get outside and take a walk. Sometimes, a change of scene will help them open up.
- Focus on Emotions – don’t worry about “right” and “wrong” answers when people talk about their mental health. Instead, focus on helping them express their feelings.
It’s important to make sure that these conversations are productive and that people are heard and validated. Sometimes we can be so focused on finding solutions that we forget that those who are struggling just want to feel heard. We must remember that when it comes to mental health, it is worth more to provide support than to quickly jump to solutions.
In our dialogue around mental health, language is incredibly important. Instead of saying “mental illness,” for example, say “mental health condition.” Shifting the language around mental health to something that is more sensitive can help create a more positive atmosphere for discussion.
Social media can also be an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to shifting the way we talk about mental health. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are filled with conversations about mental health, often allowing people to speak up who wouldn’t have done so before. Not only can social media help break down the stigma, but it can also help to normalize mental health as a topic of discussion.
Fostering honest and open conversations about mental health is the only way we can break down stigma and help those in need. By taking a few simple steps and tracking how we talk about mental health, we can work together to make it easier for everyone to talk openly and honestly about their emotions.
3. Striving for Mental Wellness with Support
1. Scheduling
A supportive home environment is easily achievable when everyone works together to find time for self-care and relaxation. Having a regular schedule to plan mental health activities is not only important for those looking to create an easier, more organized life, but also those who are working towards a greater sense of self-care. Scheduling time for exercises, mindful activities, and hobbies can help set up a routine of mental wellness that you can sustain in the long run. Setting aside time for yourself will also create a safe practice space where you can connect with your mental health.
2. Self-Reflection
Having an understanding of where your current mental health stands is an important aspect of finding the support that you need. Self-reflection can be an emotionally taxing process, but with the right support, it’s vital to recognising potential issues and focusing on improving your mental health. Take a moment to assess your needs and be mindful of the mental health state that you want to achieve.
3. Talking to Someone
Throughout the self-reflection process, it is important to turn to someone who can offer you support and guidance. This can be anyone from a friend, family member, therapist, or support group. Having someone to talk with about your mental health can be beneficial when it comes to understanding the current state of your wellness. Venting your thoughts or feelings to someone can also create much needed relief or insight on how to better approach mental health issues.
4. Seeking Professional Help
When seeking support, it is important to understand when therapy may be the best option. The sooner you identify the need for professional help, the sooner you can work towards the necessary steps to realise positive mental health. Therapy can provide a safe space to express thoughts and feelings while exploring yourself and working towards desired changes in your wellness.
5. Knowing your Limits
It’s important to realise that your mental limits can change day-to-day. When you’re feeling especially overwhelmed, make sure to give yourself the space to relax. Prioritise your self-care and create boundaries with outside influences. Learning to take care of yourself is an important part of striving towards mental wellness.
6. Supportive Activities
Having supportive activities to help maintain and relieve stress is essential in striving for better mental health. Try to:
- Find and engage in low-risk activities that provide joy
- Start a meditation practice or yoga routine to relax your mind and body
- Take time in nature and reflect on your mental well-being
- Take up journaling or painting/drawing to express your thoughts
These activities can help to create an atmosphere of growth, provide understanding, and bring some much needed inner peace.
4. Empowering Each Other in Mental Health Matters
It’s essential to amplify each other’s efforts to promote mental health. There are a wealth of resources available, but the most important thing is that those who need help reach out when they need it. Even if one may not require mental health resources or support, it doesn’t take away from the importance of supporting those around us who do. Here are some practical ways to spread awareness and support each other:
- Share informational resources.
- Spread the word about helplines, online support groups, and mental health services.
- Share powerful stories of individuals courageously fighting mental health battles.
We can also work side-by-side to build strong relationships with mental health professionals, like psychologists and psychiatrists, to ensure that everyone has access to evidence-based treatment and support services. Moreover, understanding that seeking physical health treatment does not take away from the importance of mental health treatment, can help those who need treatment get the support they need.
Just as much as people need medical attention to their physical health, there needs to be an equal amount of attention to their mental health. If you have been struggling with mental health, it is important to advocate for yourself and build a circle of trusted people in your life to provide emotional support. If you know somebody who is having a difficult time, it never hurts to reach out and offer support. Listening, being understanding, and providing empathy can go a long way in helping someone who is experiencing distress.
Offering comfort without invalidating the very real experience of mental health can be a great way to check in. Don’t be shy to offer compliments or words of affirmation as well.
Building mutual awareness of mental health issues can also contribute to decreased stigma around mental health. Remind each other that it is ok to feel a wide range of emotions without judgement. We can all take steps to empower each other and come together to normalize mental health conversations.
Let’s create an open and positive dialogue to break down the mental health stigma!
Mental health issues are often seen as scary and taboo but engaging in supportive conversations is the first step in addressing the stigma attached to them. Taking time to focus on mental health can be difficult and intimidating but we must remember that mental health matters. Together we can build a culture of understanding, support, and compassion.
