Written by Fabi Mahadia Islam
If mental health was foregrounded in the same way an individual’s achievement is advocated in our society, suicide rates and depression cases would have plummeted significantly. Across the oceans, 800,000 people die from suicide every year—twice the magnitude of homicide! According to WHO, it has been observed that approximately 280 million people are battling depression.
The stigma of mental health emanates from a lack of understanding and frequently because of fear, a deeply rooted problem. Lack of knowledge and the fright of ignorant people judging depressed people can also be stepping stones to increased stigmas.
The conventional types of stigmata are:
- Public Stigma involves the utmost negativity or discriminatory attitudes that others have about mental illness.
- Self Stigma refers to a negative attitude and internalized disgrace over time about an individual’s condition.
- Institutional Stigma concerns a more systemic formulation of government and private organizations that deliberately or inadvertently restricts opportunities for people with mental illness.
The stigma associated with mental health can be taxing and paradoxical to an individual’s well-being. It even immensely impacts an individual’s loved ones who back them, often including friends and family members. It can make symptoms adverse and reduce the likelihood of getting consultations and treatment. Moreover, mental health stigma leads to despair, lower self-esteem, alarmingly accelerated psychiatric symptoms, and difficulties at work. All these issues will prevent individuals from living a life of contentment and cost them their well-being. Thus, resulting in social avoidance will rob them of the opportunities that define the quality of life. Sometimes mental stigma can prevail over an individual engaging in detrimental and even cause collateral damage.
How to combat mental health stigma?
The ideal way of conquering mental health stigma is by talking openly about it, addressing the issue without feeling any reservations, and reaching out to people you trust. It is imperative to acknowledge the issues causing the stigma, and due to this, what is an individual missing out on educating oneself and others?
It is to know that word of mouth regarding mental health stigma has the power to prevail over others and often might push a person battling mental health issues to seek help. It is always to be compassionate to the people suffering and acknowledge that their feelings are valid. It is not letting stigma create self-doubt or shame and not letting it hinder you from getting treatment and speaking out against stigma, considering portraying opinions at events or casual conversations. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate others about mental health.
On busy days we forget to prioritize our mental well-being and perhaps disregard any associated problems. It is time we prioritized our mental health just as we do our physical well-being and seek help without scruples.