Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

Mental Illness: Break the Stigma – You’re Not Alone!

In our modern society, life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our smartphones are always beeping with messages, we have latest news stories flashing on our screens and we have social media clogging our brains up, with images of everyone having a ‘picture-perfect' life.

“Why does everyone seem so happy when I am not?”

Well the truth is, most of these pictures aren’t a true reflection of real life, but a mere moment in life, or at times not even that. However, when you are bombarded with these images and you are not feeling great, it can make admitting that you are struggling seem impossible.

“How can I say I am struggling when everyone else can cope and enjoy life, I must be an utter failure!”

Well, let me make this clear, YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!! You are a human being, struggling in a fast paced, scary and quite overwhelming life, and that’s ok. In fact, more people than you think are going through some form of mental health problems.

FACT - Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people every year and no one should feel ashamed, a failure or unimportant.

Why is Mental Illness Surrounded by Stigma?

Stigma, surrounding anything, often comes from fear, misunderstanding, and/or misinformation. People will often base their knowledge and understanding on things such as, television shows or films, which may not document or portray the true reality of mental illness. Furthermore, the umbrella of Mental Illness encompasses a large range of different conditions, and they all vary, there is not a ‘one type’ fits all.

Furthermore, there is also an ingrained thought process, from generations ago, who had not heard of mental illness, that just does not believe that you can have something wrong with how you feel and your mind. Some of us may have that subconsciously etched into our brains.

However, no matter the reason, we are now ALL responsible for tackling this stigma.

It’s Time to Talk!!!

Struggling with mental illness can be very isolating and can cause people to shut themselves away from others. Starting a conversation about mental illness helps 'normalise' those feelings and emotions. If someone had a broken leg you’d ask how they were, mental illness is NO different.

Talking is the most powerful treatment for mental illness, it helps people understand and it lessens any stigma.

Time to Talk Day is February 7th, take the time to start a conversation about Mental Health.

Indeed, I really do believe that as a society we have come such a long way in lessening the stigma of Mental Illness, with famous icons speaking out about their own struggles and the vast research and charities now supporting people. However, we do still have a long way to go to eradicate this stigma, and it's so important that we do.

Why Do we Need to Break the Stigma?

· Stigma can impact people’s motivation to seek treatment.

· Stigma can cause those with mental health disorders to become isolated from people.

· Stigma can make people’s perception of themselves become distorted, leading to negative thoughts about oneself.

We all responsible for breaking this stigma, we can make an impact in our society, workplaces and immediate families.

If you are struggling with your mental health, think hard about if you subconsciously have your own stigmas and if that is preventing you from seeking treatment.

Remember, not all mental illnesses are for life, some are short term and seeking treatment at the early stages is vitally important in helping your recovery.

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, with the theme being 'Find Your Brave'. Let’s be brave and talk about Mental Illness, let’s also encourage our young people

to do the same. We can break this stigma, together.

Mental health needs to be a priority, and it’s on all of us to make a difference.