Let's talk about smashing the barriers to mental wellness
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, just like physical health. Still, the stigma surrounding mental health can often prevent people from reaching out and getting support. This discussion is your chance to open up the conversation and explore ways to break down these barriers with us.
Even though we made significant progress in raising awareness and promoting acceptance. At present times, the issue of mental health stigma continues to persist. There is still a long way to go in eradicating the stereotypes and discrimination related to mental health.
Some of the key contributors to mental health stigmas and discrimination are:
- Lack of understanding and education surrounding mental health challenges. Many people still hold misconceptions and beliefs that perpetuate negative attitudes towards those struggling.
- The media plays a significant role in perpetuating mental health stigma by sensationalizing and misrepresenting them.
- Also, reluctance of individuals to seek help due to the fear of being judged or discriminated against.
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to mental wellness and recovery for many individuals. So this discussion aims to:
- Unpack the stereotypes and misconceptions that fuel stigma around mental health.
- Share personal stories (if comfortable) to break down the isolation many face.
- Explore the impact of stigma on individuals, families, and communities.
Here are some questions to get us started:
- Have you ever experienced stigma related to mental health, either personally or witnessing it towards others?
- What are some of the biggest stereotypes you've encountered?
- How can we create a more supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health?
Let’s get together and create a shift to promote better mental health and well-being.
- What are some of the biggest stereotypes you've encountered?
stereotypes come from a one size fits all approach ....
mental health struggles can be anything from occasional depression and anxiety to really serious diagnosis's and conditions... when we talk about mental health treatments and acceptance some will only related to their own experiences with a person struggling .... or worst case scenario. there will always be outliers that cause some to have misunderstandings or stereotype about it
- How can we create a more supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health?
- Remove labels and the need to feel you must have diagnosis (real or self) based on articles or what you read online... As I look around i see many people are playing amateur psychologist. how many decide all difficult people are narcissist or any person who likes a routine is OCD any person shy and not social skilled is on spectrum .
- while access to care is better then before with online options etc. the level of provider varies greatly and it is a real issue to keep trying to find the right fit ( expensive , time consuming and defeating) or settling for the first person and wonder why it is NOT helping....
- Imagine having to shop around and try medical doctors when you have a broken limb ... nope you get the same type care from whomever is on duty and your break heals ...it is measurable and easy to see if standard of care is met.
- mental wellness is not measured as it is different for everyone ... no stage 1 or stage 4 etc measurement of improvement is hard to quantify so are we never better ? or are we better and just do not know it......
- somewhat like addiction mental health issues in the everyday setting are in the hands of the person ....to seek help when needed .......to deal with triggers and make boundaries ...and make good decisions... In a sense they are their own greatest tool for wellness.
@toughTiger6481 Thank you for opening up and sharing your thoughts with us, Tiger. I appreciate you.I understand what you mean by stereotypes. It makes sense that they often stem from a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, it sounds like you believe creating a supportive environment for discussing mental health requires removing labels and focusing on individual experiences. Also, you highlighted the importance of finding the right provider, which can be challenging.
@ASilentObserver As you know already, I have a learning disability and I have Gerstmann Syndrome. Plus when I was a teen I suffered from depression. I do not drive. One stigma that I face is: Some of my disabilities are hinden. They are brain and nerve based. I had one person say, "You do not look disabled and you are faking your conditions, just to get disability money from the government and Medicare." No I am not faking this. I was placed in spec education classes, because of my disabilities and challenges. I had countless educational testing done. I had a lot of 3year revaluations done, and not for the fun of it, I might add, plus added State testings, which is required of every student regardless of being in spec Ed classes or general Ed classes. My mom has a folder filled of every IEPC, that I ever had done, from k-12th grade. I was also made fun of, picked on, started at, because of the way I walk, (I walk with a limp) I have had a lot of operations, in my lifetime as well. I have had health challenges as well. I was born with these issues. Lack of air at birth caused this, that is what the doctors think anyway. I have a special place in my heart for those who have disabilities. I love them very much. I love being at 7cups. I love being on the member side of things. I enjoyed my time as a listener-leader here at 7cups. Being in leadership here at 7cups, has made me a stronger person, I just wanted to let you know this. It has made me a better person all around. I love leadership a lot. At some point I hope to be a Mega Member in group support and get my rs roll back on my account. Note: When the kids used to make fun of me, I would just walk away. When the kids would bully me and hit me, I would just walk away. I never gave in to the bullies. I would never get down to their level. I want to thank you for your wise teachings. I have learned so much from you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making me a better person and a better human being and most of all a better leader. May God bless you, sir. Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
@calmMango9611 Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspectives with us, Mango. It takes courage to open up about such personal challenges and I appreciate your trust in me. Your determination and perseverance in the face of adversity are encouraging.
@ASilentObserver Your very welcomed, my friend.
@ASilentObserver
The biggest thing that comes to mind is that people with mental health issues are crazy. That is not the case.
@reservedTangerine9348 That is so true. People with a mental health condition are not crazy, my. People who say things like that, lack empathy and understanding. This stigma, that people have about people with disabilities and mental health conditions, needs to stop. To those, who do not understand what it is like to live with a disability or a mental health condition, please ask those of us who suffer and live with conditions each and everyday. We will have those conditions the rest of our lives. For a lot of us, there is no cure or magic medication, that will fix this. For a lot of us, it is a life long (daily struggle, that we face.) We do the best we can to live our lives, to the best of our abilities. For those of you who say we are crazy and all we are doing is milking the system to get government benefit's, let me tell you something, what if you were suddenly diagnosed, with ALS or A brain tumor. Or a mental health condition? What if someone called you crazy and your milking the system to get government benefits, how would that make you feel? Carma. What goes around comes around. So, I would be very careful, in the words you use. Because, someday the shoes could be on your feet, and you would not like those words. Trust me, when I say that. So, please heed my warning to whoever this applies to.
Sorry if my tone is harsh. I do not mean to sound harsh. I speak my mind. This was on my heart, so I had to write this comment, in the way that I did. I am a deep thinker. I am also a born leader as well.
@calmMango9611 friend.
This was a great response. When I usually tell people around me about my mental health issues that I've had since I was a child they always call me crazy after that... or even at one point...a friend of mine said .. oh now I understand why you're like you are... it hurt my feelings. People just don't understand.
