The WHO states that “Health is a state of physical, social and mental well-being.” Often one of these components is highly disregarded. The mental health of a person is often neglected. People do not consider a person suffering from a mental illness a patient. The fact that mental diseases can be treated and cured is not known by people. The word mental is often associated with “mad,” while mental is simply describing anything related to our mind. Stereotypical thoughts have turned this word into slang to describe “crazy” people.
The stigma around this word and everything related to it has become shameful to discuss. Mental disorders are stigmatized, and patients suffering from mental disorders are often termed with stereotypical terms like crazy, mad, stupid, or retard. These diseases can take lives if not treated properly. De-stigmatization of mental health is very important in these times. Being mentally stable is fundamental for a good life, earning a living, and being happy. To think, empathize, and interact, one should be mentally healthy.
These illnesses can be caused due to extreme stress due to the constant need to be perfect, the fear of disappointing, the loss of someone important, and tons of other reasons. Mental illnesses do not simply affect the mind, but rather it’s something that damages our body. It makes one feel scared and tired simultaneously. It makes one unproductive. The urge to go and work or do something dies out. Instead, it makes you sit and overthink to the extent of disvaluing your life. Mental illness makes one feel everything at once till they feel nothing.
In India, almost 20 percent of the population is mentally sick. However, only 10-20% seek treatment or professional help. To build a healthy society, awareness for mental health and making its treatment accessible is an urgent need. It’s a common misconception that mental illness is caused by a lack of self-discipline and willpower. “Mentally ill people are just lazy”-is such a wrong and insensitive statement made by people. Mentally ill people aren’t simply sad. They are sick. They need to be treated and taken care of with love and care.
The first step towards making people aware of mental illness is clearing the stereotype and stigma. A safe space should be created in schools where students can express their inner feelings. They should be taught that there is nothing “shameful” about being mentally ill. Moreover, if students are constantly told that it is okay and acceptable for them to seek support from peers, mentors, and mental health professionals, schools and colleges can create a more inclusive culture and make treatment accessible.
De-stigmatization methods include-
Mental health awareness and sensitization programs- organizing programs to teach people about the various diseases and their complexities, their ways of treatment, and the process of recovery. Often wrong methods to recover may push someone more towards darkness.
Prevention of discriminatory and stereotypical behavior- most mental illnesses’ source comes from the feeling of being unwanted and “different.” Any kind of discrimination or ghettoization can make people anxious or depressed.
Inclusivity- being inclusive of everyone makes people feel wanted and welcomed. Human beings are a communal species. Being in a part of a community makes us happy and removes the fear of being all alone.
Humanizing mental health issues- Humanizing people with mental health issues, and normalizing the presence of the illness in question, leads to the individuals in the community developing more empathy. Encouraging more contact between the general public and people with mental illness is crucial to help de-stigmatize mental illness. Promoting this contact can further allow individuals to understand that people with mental illness are not responsible for their condition and help reduce the feelings of distaste and anger towards them.
Mental health support- asking about people’s mental well-being should be a part of daily conversations. Support includes access to professional help or simply being a listener for someone.
Awareness is necessary because people often do not seek help because they do not recognize the symptoms and do not consider them sick. Knowing more about how the illnesses work and their effect on the people with mental illness can help build empathy within the general public for people suffering from these disorders.
People are suffering silently, their minds plaguing them. They need to be treated, heard, loved, and supported. They need to be assured that their existence is valued. Regarding mental illnesses as “real” diseases is something that needs to be done now. Negligence towards mental well-being should be stopped. So next time, while asking someone how are they, remember to talk about their mental well-being.
Every morning remember to ask yourself about your mental well-being. Listen to others and talk to yourself. Treat your mind. Be completely healthy.
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