Mental Health Awareness: Reducing stigma around mental illness

Mental-Health Fact Check

What do you know about Mental Health and Illnesses? Is it biological or environmental? Is itreal or do people fake it for attention? Why does this topic make many feel uneasy?

Honestly, the answers to these are endless. There are many reasons why one might have anything positive to say but if we want to create an understanding society we first need to get rid of stigma.

Let’s look at the stats

Did you know that mental illness comprises about 15% of the Indian Population! A study conducted by the National Institute of Health suggests that this percentage includes disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, substance abuse, autism and so on.

Another article by economics times says that around 70 million Indians suffer from mental health conditions. That's about 1 in 5 people. See how common it is?

Understanding the Stigma

Mental health is as important as physical health.

The way we treat someone suffering from diabetes since birth is not the same as how we treat someone with down syndrome. Both are life-long health issues and no one asks to be born this way. Both individuals can still lead normal lives as long as they take the right measures and therapy to stay healthy and fit into society's normative standards.

Yet, despite knowing this, the stigma surrounding mental illness persists. It's time to break down these barriers and foster a society where everyone feels comfortable seeking help.

How can stigma be damaging?

Stigma can manifest as fear, shame, and discrimination. People may fear individuals with mental illness as unpredictable or dangerous.

Some stereotypes are the root cause of this. In the case of a person who is considered a sociopath, may be believed to be cruel, heartless and psychopaths. But in reality, it is a condition in which a person does not feel empathy or understand human emotions. Many people go about their lives not even realizing they have such a condition.

Individuals with mental health conditions might feel ashamed to seek help, fearing judgment. This especially applies to men. Many studies show women are more likely to seek help as men tend to find it an embarrassment or a sign of being weak.

Furthermore, mental illness also leads to job loss, social isolation, and denial of essential services.

Breaking Down the Stigma

Education and Awareness: Educating the public is key to reducing stigma surrounding mental health. By offering facts about numerous psychiatric conditions, their symptoms, and treatments available, we can easily understand this topic.

Challenging misinformation, like the stereotype psychological disorders happen to weak people, should be eliminated. Replacing these damaging misconceptions with accurate information can really transform society’s views.

Moreover, sharing firsthand narratives of a patient's experience of mental illness, can increase empathy and understanding. When people freely discuss their struggles, a community forms along with hope, motivating others to pursue help to stop judgment.

Creating Supportive Environments: To truly encourage a society where mental health is prioritized, we must build environments where individuals feel safe discussing their personal struggles freely without concern of being excluded.

Not only in schools and places of work, but throughout communities, we should allow regular discussions on mental well-being.

Establishing protections to fight discrimination against those with mental illnesses in employment, housing, medical care, and other areas is of utmost importance as well. However, developing an inclusive society where all people, regardless of mental health status, can engage fully without facing barriers is just as important.

We must guarantee for all in social interaction, economic opportunities, and cultural activities. By prioritizing mental health through regular conversations and prohibiting discrimination, we can work toward a more comprehensive society where individuals' overall wellness and happiness involvement are the main concerns.

Improving Access to Care: Increasing the availability of affordable and high-quality mental health services is a necessity. Nudging the process of seeking help, like making insurance coverage easier, can greatly reduce barriers to treatment.

On top of that, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge to provide diverse care is important to ensure that individuals from different backgrounds receive the right support.

How can you help?

Educating oneself about mental health conditions, challenging personal biases, and openly discussing these issues with friends, family, and colleagues are crucial steps.

Offering support to those struggling with mental health demonstrates empathy and compassion.

Finally, getting involved with mental health organizations or participating in awareness campaigns can create a broader impact, helping to break down stigma on a larger scale.

For instance, volunteering at a crisis hotline, attending a mental health awareness march/campaign, or simply sharing informative posts on social media can contribute to a more supportive environment for everyone.

Remember this - you are not alone. By working together, we can create a world where mental health is valued and supported.

If you liked this article stay tuned for many more topics on mental health coming your way!!

References

1. Mental illness stigma. (n.d.-b). Dealing With Stigma and How to Reduce It | Healthdirect.https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-illness-stigma

2. Mental illness- Symptoms and causes- Mayo Clinic. (2022b, December 13). Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

3. Stigma, discrimination and mental illness. (n.d.-b). Better Health Channel.https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness

4. Addressing Stigma. (n.d.-b). CAMH.https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/addressing-stigma

5. Stuart, H. (2016b). Reducing the stigma of mental illness. Global Mental Health, 3.https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2016.11

6. Meghrajani, V. R., Marathe, M., Sharma, R., Potdukhe, A., Wanjari, M. B., & Taksande, A. B. (2023b). A Comprehensive Analysis of Mental Health Problems in India and the Role of Mental Asylums. Curēus.https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42559

7. Contributors, E. (2023b, October 10). World Mental Health Day: 60-70 mn people in India suffer from common mental disorders; stigmatisation & f. The Economic Times.https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/world-mental-health-day-60-70-mn-people-in-india-suffer-from-common-mental-disorders-stigmatisation-financial-barriers-prevent-timely-treatment/amp_articleshow/104289268.cms

8. Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. (2017b, May 24). Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-2004647