Mental health often goes unspoken until it’s too late. The stigma around it can be painful and damaging, but it’s possible to break free from it with the power of open conversations. This article examines the importance of having honest, meaningful conversations about mental health, and what we can do to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable discussing it.
1. Taking the First Steps Toward Positive Change
Whether you want to become better at managing your time or mastering a new skill, taking the first steps to positive change can be daunting. The good news is, the hardest part of any journey is the first step. To help you out, here are some tips on how to start.
- Set a specific goal. Research shows that setting specific goals leads to better outcomes. So instead of saying that you want to “eat better,” specify what that means to you. For example, make a goal to “eat two servings of vegetables a day.”
- Break it down. Once you’ve set your goal, break it into manageable steps that you can take each day. Let’s say your goal is to learn a new language. Instead of trying to learn the basics all at once, split it up into topics you can work on each day. You could start by learning basic phrases, then focus on vocabulary, and so on.
- Track your progress. Find a way to track your progress that will motivate you to keep going. For some, writing down goals in a journal and tracking them on a calendar can be a great way to stay on track. Or if it’s something like exercise, using a fitness tracker to measure progress can be helpful.
- Get an accountability partner. Having someone to hold you accountable to your goals can be a big motivator. Ask a friend or family member to check in with you or help motivate you when things get tough.
No matter what changes you want to make in your life, it’s important to remember that it won’t happen overnight, nor will it be easy. But by setting realistic goals, breaking them down into manageable pieces, and having a support system in place, you can start to make positive changes in your life.
2. Why Erasing the Social Stigma is Necessary
The mental health stigma has been around for a long time – it’s only in the last few decades that society has started to open up to a more compassionate, understanding dialogue around mental health. Erasing this social stigma is incredibly important, as it can endanger people’s physical and mental health, push them away from seeking help, and, in some cases, lead to self-destructive behaviour.
1. Mental Health Stigma is Dangerous
A mental health stigma is dangerous because it can prevent people from talking about what they’re going through. They could feel too ashamed to seek help and instead rely solely on their own strength to get them through. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, and, if left untreated, can worsen the individual’s condition. In a worst-case scenario, it can lead to violence, suicide or accidents.
2. Social Pressure Can Do More Harm Than Good
The mental health stigma can often be perpetuated by society, either deliberately or inadvertently. Judgemental comments from friends and family can worsen an individual’s mental health, and expectations placed upon people with mental illness can prevent them from seeking the help they need. This can put the individual’s health at risk, and can even lead to feelings of guilt due to society’s expectations.
3. People Need to Feel Supported
It is essential that people feel supported and understood rather than judged in their battle against mental illness. Mental health struggles can already be incredibly isolating and lonely, and it is important that people have someone to turn to who can provide a non-judgemental ear and offer comfort and understanding.
4. We Need to Create an Environment of Compassion
It is vital that we create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health without fear of judgement. This can be done by having open and honest conversations about mental health, and providing information about where to seek help. It is also essential that we ensure that those dealing with mental health issues have access to the necessary support and resources to help them cope.
3. The Power of Open Conversations When it Comes to Mental Health
Talking openly and frankly about mental health has become more common and accepted in today’s society. Mental health is an extremely important and often overlooked part of our overall wellbeing, and it shouldn’t be swept under the rug or left for only a select few to consider. For this reason, open conversations about mental health are considered a powerful tool for helping individuals and communities address the issues that can arise from it.
By fostering an open environment in which it is easy and safe to discuss mental health, individuals can begin to understand their own mental health, reach out for help when they need it, and break down the stigma associated with mental illness. Headspace, a global youth mental health nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals under 25, puts it this way: “When we share our story, we open the door to help those struggling to confide in one another and get the help they need.”
Additionally, open conversations around mental health can provide an opportunity for individuals to acknowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. Being able to talk openly with individuals who are in the same position or simply understand, can be incredibly therapeutic and healing. Moreover, opening up about mental health can also help others to learn more about the signs and symptoms to look out for, and provide support to those who are struggling.
The bottom line is that open conversations about mental health can lead to greater understanding, awareness, and support. There are numerous organizations and online communities dedicated to providing individuals with a platform on which to have these conversations, and mental health professionals are also beginning to embrace this growing trend. In short, the power of open conversations to promote mental health should not be overlooked.
4. Taking Action to Make a Difference Today
Lead with Kindness
Kindness can start a ripple effect of positivity. Being kind to yourself, others, and the world around you can help make a lasting impact. Start today and make kindness a habit that helps make the world a better place:
- Smile at someone and say hello.
- Give compliments to strangers.
- Pay for someone’s coffee in line at the cafe.
- Gently pick up and throw away any litter you see.
Volunteer
Your time is a valuable resource and you can always lend a helping hand. Find a program in your city or town that positively impacts the community. From assisting the elderly to reading to youth, any effort gives back in the most meaningful ways.
Give
No donation is too small when it comes to giving. Consider contributing to a charity or non-profit organization that works to bring awareness to issues you care about. That can be anything from helping feed the homeless to reforestation efforts.
Spread Awareness
Share what you learn with others. Help raise awareness for any cause that deserves spot light and encourage meaningful conversations that can further the cause and help make a difference. Speak out, post information, and volunteer for any organization or cause you care about deeply.
As mental health continues to climb the ranks of essential conversations, we must come together to break the stigma surrounding the subject. We should be proud of our ability to come together to have an open dialogue about mental health and foster understanding and acceptance for all.
