And the stigmatization of mental illness.
Having depression or anxiety does not make someone “psycho”, “insane”, “crazy”, “weird”, “delusional”, “incompetent”, any less reliable, or dangerous.
“9 Mental Illness Phrases You Should Banish From Your Vocabulary”
According to the American Journal of Public Health, “…adults with mental illnesses were more likely to be victims than perpetrators of community violence.” (Read here)
“There is enormous shame around mental health and so many people feel like if they’re struggling, it’s a shameful experience,” said Hutchinson of Boston University. “And so we’re trying to peel that away and say, ‘No, everyone struggles. It’s part of the human condition. It’s OK to ask for help because everyone needs it at some point in time’…Not only is the student who is struggling able to seek help without stigma but hopefully their friends and classmates are also able to support their friend getting the help that they deserve and need,” he said. “We really try to think about ‘Why is it that with mental health we stigmatize people for getting help but with other sorts of physical ailments, we would be very concerned if people didn’t go and seek treatment?’…Mental health stigma is keeping people from accessing the care they need, said Fullen of Ohio State. Combating that requires getting the entire campus community on the same page, he said.” (“Shedding stigma to stop suicides on college campuses”)
“Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it”
“Too Much Facebook Can Worsen Depression” (I absolutely agree and often disable my account)
Read: “A single act of kindness”
Read: “Steps toward forgiveness”
Read: “How to support those who have experienced assault and abuse”
Bravo for your championing of mental health issues so strongly.
Reblogged this on Wonderwall and commented:
Stigma of Mental Health and Homelessness. Earlier this week as part of my lent Contemplation I was thinking about the stigma of homelessness. I mainly focused on persepective that family problems either death of parents, having to leave care or relationship breakdowns leaving someone isolated. However, mental health issues can also lead to homelessness if mental health issues cause relationship issues, prevent people working so lose home or mental health issues can lead to drug use and in turn homelessness. Therefore it is important that there is no stigma to asking for mental health issues or drug use issues as not asking for help can mean the problem become bigger.
Thank you very much for re-blogging! Mental health awareness is so important.
Yes awareness and reduction of stigma so important that is why wanted to reblog. I have been thinking about homelessness during lent and think best to try and prevent homelessness rather than deal with homelessness when it occurs. Therefore there does need to be help available for people with mental health issues or having family or relationship issues.
I strongly agree. And prevention is always better than fixing an issue after it happens. Mental illness is on the rise, so it is important to not let it develop in the youth.
Well put together, I like it.
Thank you! I’m glad you stopped by to read, and found the content useful.
My pleasure 🙂
That was awesome. Great post. I loved it an loved the videos…. very educational and I agree with every word you wrote and every word on the videos!!!! Excellent!
I am quite open about the fact I have had periods when I have been mentally unwell. My last episode led to me being Sectioned for my own safety. You will see from my Blog how I have moved on and didn’t need medication for life as suggested by a psychiatrist. Thank you so much for this blog. Why stigmatise someone when life gets on top of them?
I am so glad that you do not need to take medication. It is unfortunate that psychiatrists seem to rely on and prescribe medication left and right, sometimes even as the only ‘solution’.
Thank you very much for your comment! I am thrilled that you support the cause. (You are very right- life is hard enough when you are mentally unwell-there is no need to add more negativity and stress).
Thank you for following tended heart and liking our blog I believe that it is this vocalization, this cry in the darkness that will shatter the stigma and shame that never was ours to own.
You are very welcome- thank you for the follow as well! We have a big purpose ahead of us.
Welcome to that little voice and thank you for following my blog.
No problem at all! Thank you for the visit and the comment.
mental health is very important and your highlighting the same is of immense help to the patients at large.
Thank you so much for reading- it is for a big cause.