Mental Health Awareness

The stigma surrounding mental health, including seeking diagnosis and treatment, can make the burden even greater. Mental health awareness is not just about knowing about common disorders, it is about ending the stigma.

Stigma can show up in a myriad of ways. It is harmful to judge others based on their mental health concerns, diagnoses, medication or other care that they may pursue. Imagine being in the throes of depression, needing support from loved ones and even professional care, and being met with disbelief – “your life is great, how could you be depressed?” – or disapproval – “only crazy people need a psychiatrist”.

With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, try to examine the ways mental health stigma has affected the way you view mental health. The stigma may be so internalized that you don’t even realize you are judging mental health harshly. Maybe you feel embarrassment or shame around your mental health. Or you may find yourself thinking you are not susceptible to mental illness or believing you don’t need help because you are “stronger” than others. However, mental illness does not mean that you are weak or lack mental fortitude. We can be genetically predisposed, have chemical imbalances, and you know what? Sometimes life can just be challenging. It’s important to share your struggles with people you trust and seek out care when it’s needed.