Mental health awareness has seen a surge in recent years, after being stigmatized for far too long. Unfortunately, there’s still a long way to go.
Mental health isn’t something that should be brushed under the rug. It isn’t something that should be ignored or avoided in conversation when people are struggling. Chances are, someone you know and care about is one of those people.
You might even be dealing with mental health issues yourself. If people in your life, or the world at large, aren’t aware of the issues people can face, it becomes harder to get the help they need and deserve.
Let’s take a closer look at mental health, and how you can seek help if you need it.
Why Is Mental Health Awareness Important?
Mental health awareness is essential when it comes to eliminating the stigma associated with mental issues. Millions of people across the globe deal with conditions like anxiety and depression. Many others struggle with trauma, PTSD, and a myriad of other conditions.
Without ample awareness, these conditions would go untreated. Even worse, it would be hard to fully understand what they're dealing with. It can be scary going through life with thoughts and feelings you don't understand. The greater the mental health awareness in our society, the more comforted people can feel about their struggles, knowing they can give them a name and find the support they need.
Mental health awareness also saves lives.
When people feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles, it can lead them to get the right treatment. For someone who might be dealing with depression or feeling overwhelmed with life, that openness could be exactly what’s needed to improve their quality of life, or even to stop them from harming themselves.
Finally, mental health awareness helps develop everyone's mental health vocabulary. Even without stigma, it’s not easy for someone to be “labeled” with a mental health condition. For example, instead of saying, “My partner is bipolar,” you can say something like, “My partner has bipolar disorder.” Mental health awareness helps everyone to realize that a mental condition doesn’t define someone. It can be a part of their lives without being their entire life.
What Can You Do?
If you want to promote mental health awareness in your own life, there are countless ways to show your support.
Start small with your family and friends. Be open about any struggles you might have, and provide a listening ear to the people you care about. Sometimes, all it takes is having someone to talk to for a person dealing with a mental health issue to feel validated.
If you know someone who is struggling, serve as their support system. Listening is important, but encouraging them to get professional help is one of the best things you can do. You can help to eliminate the stigma surrounding things like therapy simply by normalizing it with the people you love.
On a larger scale, you can volunteer for community organizations that support mental health awareness. Become an advocate locally by signing up with wellness centers or by attending events designed to promote mental wellness.
Most importantly, lead by example. Make mental health awareness a priority in your own life. Take care of your mental well-being, don’t be afraid to get help if you need it, and do your best to talk openly with people about the things you might be struggling with. You never know who you could end up helping just by sharing your story.
If you’re ready to take that first step and you’re looking for someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment for trauma therapy.