03 July,2018 | Reading Time: 4 minutes
Mental illness can strike anyone! It knows no age, race, economic status, colour or creed. During the course of a year, more than 54 million people across the globe are affected by one or more mental health disorders. But then why does the Mental Health Stigma still exists?
Don't Be Afraid to Talk About Your Mental Health. Why? Because talking openly about mental health is a good thing. Mental health is no different than physical health. If you have or think you have a mental disorder, it does not mean you are weak. It does not mean you are unintelligent or "broken." Would you call a cancer patient "weak?" Would you get mad at someone with cancer for not "trying hard enough" to make the disease go away? Never.
In the same vein, mental disorders are not issues which can be simply "wished away." Talking about mental health in a healthy way is something that societies across the globe have historically struggled with. Let's describe mental health as a level of psychological well-being. A person who is able to enjoy and experience life without the interruption of a documented social disorder can be said to be "mentally healthy." Because of the social stigma attached to having a mental disorder, many people live with excessive anxiety, depression, fear, and other crippling disorders that impede their ability to live 'normally.'
Mental disorders, like physical disorders, do not define who you are. There is nothing "weak" about seeking medical advice or being tested for a medical disorder. If you had a back injury and couldn't move, you wouldn't just 'wait until it went away.' You'd get help.
It is incredibly important to throw social stigma out the window when talking about mental health.
[caption id="attachment_2907" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Beating Mental Health Stigma[/caption]
When such false beliefs inflame stigmatizing attitudes, regardless of the form, they significantly affect the emotional and social life of individuals suffering from mental disorders. This not only lengthens their recovery process but also prevents them from talking about their problems and seeking medical help. Therefore, it is crucial to fighting the mental health stigma. Here are some ways that can help change people's outlook.
Mental health stigma can affect various aspects of one's life. At its worst, it can lead to self-criticism wherein the person blames himself or herself for his or her condition. In such cases, stigmatization becomes an active ongoing risk factor for the disorder that prevents an individual from seeking the required help from others.
If you or your loved one is experiencing the symptoms of mental disorders, it is important to seek help. Cadabam’s Hospitals assists in gaining access to the finest mental health treatment centres in Bangalore that specializes in delivering evidence-based intervention plans. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 9741476476 to know more about treatment options available near you.
In addition to psychological treatment, there are many alternative methods available to help with excessive stress, depression, and anxiety. Meditation has a long tradition of helping individuals calm their minds, bodies, and spirit in a natural and soothing manner. Contact us to learn more.