Breaking the Stigma About Mental Health

Studies have shown that one in every five Indians suffer from some form of mental health symptoms. What's concerning is that 50% of these conditions start at 14, meaning we're doing our youth a terrible disservice by setting them to a life below par.

We now live in a world that values independence, resilience, and hustle, so just like Manchester United, mental health is looming on the cusp of relegation. For far too long, there's been a thought that discussing mental health struggles is a sign of weakness. The moment you open up, you get a negative aura. But that's not the case!

So, let's first take a look at the story behind mental health stigma:

To fully understand why the stigma exists, let's look at its origins. People have always either been scared of or have misunderstood mental illnesses. In many cultures, people with mental health issues were pushed to the side, they got no help, were labelled as "crazy," or were just treated horribly. This culture has been quite intense even till the 21st century, so people just don't want to come out and talk about their issues because they're scared they'll be treated like their predecessors.

Another reason the stigma exists is because of how invisible it is. It's clearly visible when you catch a cold, break your arm, or tear your ACL. People can empathise and see there is something clearly wrong with you. However, mental health isn't really like that. How often have you heard the phrase, "It's all in your head.”? That's honestly one of the worst things you can tell someone going through mental health issues.

Open LinkedIn, and you’ll see everything that is wrong about today's work culture. Self-reliance, independence, always hustling. Admitting to your mental issues means you are not strong enough to handle life's challenges. This toxic mindset not only disproves the problems people with mental health issues are facing but also creates an environment where people feel forced to suffer in silence.

The mental health stigma has a lot of consequences, especially when it comes to actually getting help. So many people feel they should just tough it out or snap out of it. This belief is especially prevalent among men, who are wired to believe that expressing vulnerability is unmanly and, as a result, they are less likely to get some help, which leads to a higher risk of worsening mental health conditions or, in severe cases, suicide.

According to a study by WHO, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, but over half of them don't get the help they clearly need. There are a lot of significant barriers to seeking help, such as lack of access to mental health services, financial issues, and, last but not least, the fear of being judged and treated differently.

Just imagine the average 15-year-old boy in school. Even though he's suffering from mental health issues, all he wants is for his life to be normal and lowkey. After he goes up to his teacher and talks about his struggles, the teachers start treating him a bit differently (whether it's for the better or, the worse); they're more lenient with him, they walk on broken shells around him, and it's just the opposite of what he wanted.

The stigma also has a ripple effect. When someone doesn't seek help, it worsens; they'll stay at home more, avoid socialising, their work output will go down, and they won't take care of themselves properly. What became a mental issue slowly cascades into a physical, social, career, and life issue.

It's time to challenge the thought that discussing mental health is a sign of weakness. In reality, it takes a lot of strength to confront your mental health struggles, and it takes even more strength to get some help while admitting that you need help is not a sign of failure but instead shows you are self-aware and that you want to improve your life.

Vulnerability has been confused with weakness for too long. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we're connecting with people in the most authentic way. We allow ourselves to be human, experience the spectrum of emotions life offers, and seek the support we need to live life to the fullest. Talking reduces stigma, and this change in views is so important for getting rid of mental health stigma.

Also, talking about mental health has the power to break the cycle of silence that keeps stigma alive, like in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode, where the woman inspires other women to come forward about their experiences when she opens up about hers.

This creates a supportive community where people feel heard and loved, and it reduces the isolation that often comes with mental health challenges.

Yes, people do feel alone, and it takes courage to come and talk about their issues. However, society around them helps reduce the stigma. Education can make all the difference in this process. Society can educate people and increase awareness of mental health conditions, their causes, and their treatments. Schools, offices, and communities should prioritise mental health education, teaching people to recognise the signs of mental health struggles and providing resources for support.

Media representation also plays a significant role in shaping how people see mental health. Unfortunately, mental illness is often sensationalised or misrepresented in movies and the news, which only reinforces negative stereotypes.

However, there has been a growing movement towards more accurate and compassionate portrayals of mental health in the media. Exhibit A - Taare Zameen Par. When mental health issues are depicted with empathy and understanding, it helps to normalise these experiences and reduce stigma.

Offices, too, are responsible for creating a culture of mental health awareness. Employers should encourage open discussions about mental health, provide mental health resources, and create an environment where employees feel safe to get help without fear of only a 5% hike. This goes two ways: it benefits employees' well-being and even contributes to a more productive and positive workplace.

If you are finding it difficult, remember that you are not alone, and all you have to do is speak up. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay not to be alone. Allowing yourself to feel emotions and admit that you are struggling is the first step towards seeking help.

2. Reach Out to Someone You Trust: Talk to a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide relief and support. Sometimes, just having someone listen can make a big difference.

3. Seek Professional Help: Mental health professionals like therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists are trained to help you overcome your issues and alleviate stress from your daily life, so don't hesitate to ask (and pay) for their help.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health, and it will give you a better understanding of what you're going through and empower you to take control of your mental health.

5. Practice Self-Care: Include things that improve your mind and body in your GRWM reels. These can include exercising, meditation, journaling, or even cooking!

6. Join a Support Group: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar stuff can provide a sense of community and empathy. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can be an invaluable resource.

7. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Stigma can make you feel less sigma, and you internalise negative beliefs about yourself. Work on fighting against these thoughts and replacing them with more happy ones.

Just like Dave, "We're All Alone in This Together" (great album, though!). Talking about your problems only strengthens you and inspires people to be open about their issues. By making vulnerability a source of strength, we can start to destroy mental health stigma.

We're all part of the same society, so we play a significant role, too. We are responsible for creating an environment where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out and start the conversation. Your mental health matters, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing.