“Challenging Social Stigma: The Truth About Mental Health”
Overview India is presently experiencing a mental health crisis of unprecedented dimensions. According to government-published data from 2015–16, more than 150 million people, or roughly 10.6% of the population, suffer from various mental health issues. People suffer in silence from anxiety, depression, and many other mental illnesses. However, the majority of people dealing with these issues remain silent due to social stigma. Mental health is still a taboo subject in India. Research from the WHO and other organisations shows how stigma around mental health negatively affects India. Stigma around mental health issues prevents 4 out of 5 people in low- and middle-income nations like India from seeking treatment. As a result, millions of individuals who could benefit from treatment miss out on it, which can worsen their symptoms, lower their quality of life, or even in some extreme cases result in suicide. The Impact of Social Stigma Negative perceptions of mental health concerns are known as stigma. This social stigma may lead to isolation and discrimination. Seeking help from professionals or discussing their problems with others, including family members, may make people feel embarrassed or scared. Stigmatisation can make the mental health condition worse and adversely impact their recovery and healing. Myths Regarding Mental Wellness Myth 1: Mental health problems are not common. It’s really surprising to know how widespread mental health issues are and how the crisis is silently growing around the world. They have the potential to impact individuals from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of age, sex, or financial status. We should not stigmatize mental health difficulties as they are a common aspect of life. These problems are just like physical health concerns. Myth 2: Those who struggle with mental illness are mentally weak and frail. This is a serious misconception. Mental health issues demand a tremendous deal of strength and courage. It is not a sign of mental weakness, but of strength to seek help handling mental health issues. It takes courage to face emotional challenges head-on and pursue a recovery and healing regimen. Myth 3: Issues with mental health are lifelong and more or less permanent. Even though some mental health issues may be chronic, many people who receive the right care and support can make considerable progress towards recovery. It’s very necessary to keep in mind that improving one’s mental health is a process that takes time. If provided with medication, therapy, counseling, and other forms of support, people can learn to manage their symptoms and lead satisfying lives. Myth 4: Mental health issues only affect adults. Any age can have mental health issues, including childhood and adolescence. Young people are particularly vulnerable to academic pressures and parental stress that might harm their mental health. It’s critical to identify the warning signs of mental health issues in children and teenagers and to provide them with the treatment and support they require. Asking for assistance If you’re experiencing mental health issues, it’s critical that you get professional advice and proper treatment. Here are some actions that you can take: 1. Talk to someone. It might be really helpful to talk to someone you trust and share your feelings. A partner, friend, or family member can provide emotional support, empathy, and a sympathetic ear. They might be able to offer insightful viewpoints or recommend helpful coping mechanisms. If speaking with a friend or acquaintance still makes you uneasy, think about contacting a mental health expert. 2. Visit a doctor. A medical professional can evaluate your mental health, identify any underlying illnesses, and suggest the best available course of action. They might advise you to see a counsellor or therapist, give you medicine, or make lifestyle suggestions. Regular checkups can help monitor your mental health and prevent mental health conditions from worsening. 3. Become a part of a support community. Making connections with people who are going through mental health-related struggles can be really reassuring. Support groups offer a secure setting for people to talk about their experiences, pick up tips from others, and create coping skills. It can help to foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. 4. Practice Self-Care Making self-care a priority is crucial for our mental wellbeing. Adopting a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can all greatly enhance our mood and energy level. Incorporating relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing into our daily routine can also help us manage stress and anxiety. Assisting Others Offer our assistance to someone we know who is struggling with any mental health condition. Here are a few ways we can assist: Listen and pay attention: Occasionally, simply accepting things as they are can have an impact. Listen to them empathetically and understand their feelings. It can significantly alleviate their suffering and struggles. Encourage them to seek expert advice and professional help, if necessary. Encourage them to seek help like AI therapy or online counselling, as digital health is becoming increasingly popular. Speak Up Speaking about one’s own experiences with mental health can have a profound impact. By being honest about our struggles and difficulties, we can lessen stigma, encourage people to get treatment, and foster a more encouraging atmosphere. A sense of understanding and connection can also be developed by encouraging people to share their stories and experiences. Challenge Myths False beliefs concerning mental health are pervasive and detrimental. It is critical to debunk these beliefs in order to spread true knowledge and eradicate stigma. We all can contribute to educating others. By doing so, we can contribute, in whatever limited way it’s possible, in making the public better informed and more aware of mental health issues. Encourage Campaigns Participating in campaigns to raise awareness of mental health issues is a great way to change the existing scheme of things. We should help fund research, improve access to mental health care, and raise awareness. Educate Others Educating people about mental health is crucial to building a healthy society. We need to be supportive and ready to understand one
