Eliminating the mental health stigma

Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance that seeks to increase understanding of mental health issues and its role in our well-being. Over the years, the occasion has helped reduce the stigma around related illnesses.

I’ve seen a remarkable change in my lifetime. When I was growing up, the topic was rarely discussed. Friends who struggled with anxiety, loneliness, or depression often did so in silence. Back then, admitting to a mental health issue was seen as a sign of weakness.

Today, people are much more open to discussing their experiences. Thanks to programs in schools, workplace initiatives, technology, media coverage, and even celebrities, more people feel comfortable having a conversation about mental health. As a result, people are more likely to seek help, and resources like therapy, hotlines, and online support groups are more accessible than ever before.

Why the mission isn’t accomplished

Despite success in raising awareness and improving access to treatment, we still have a long way to go. As I’ve written previously , too many of our friends, colleagues, and neighbors continue to struggle with mental illnesses – an estimated one in five adults .

There are several reasons for the persistence, ranging from drug abuse and trauma to the prolonged isolation of the pandemic and heightened stress over the economy, politics, and work demands. Greater awareness of the issue has also led to more diagnoses.

I’d like to zero in on one factor: Loneliness. It’s both a cause and a symptom, and experts say social isolation in itself is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing mental illness and other serious medical conditions. Nearly 25% of adults report feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely.

It’s an area where we can all make a difference. By using our power of connection, we can end the epidemic of loneliness and help improve the mental health of people throughout the community. You can help someone with just a phone call or a text message, and a few kind words like “How are you doing?” or “Want to grab a coffee?”

Simple actions like friendly conversation help foster a sense of connection and belonging – a potent antidote to depression and anxiety. And the good feelings flow in both directions. Your mood will get a lift from reaching out, too.

The power of positivity

Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about illness. It also forces us to think about what’s working (like the connection between relationships and happiness) and what we can do to improve overall health and well-being.

In fact, a relatively new branch of psychology focuses on fostering the ordinary virtues that make up a happy and fulfilling life. The “positive psychology” movement, led by Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, emerged in the late 1990s.

For an explanation, I reached out to my friend, Dr. George Everly, a psychologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a member of the 1-800-Flowers.com Connectivity Council . He noted that although positive psychology is new, it has roots going back centuries.

"Positive psychology is the study of our strengths, and how to maximize them. It's about flourishing. It's about wellness, stemming from the wellness movement that was founded in Greece over 2,000 years ago. Fast forward to the 20th century, and it was given a rebirth of sorts.”

Dr. Everly sees positive psychology as tying together physical and mental well-being. By focusing on strengths in both aspects of our lives, we can better understand how to create happy and meaningful lives. He says:

“Positive psychology is not a treatment, but it can help a person become the best person they can be, with a greater appreciation of what life has to offer.”

A cascading impact

You can use the attributes of positive psychology to enhance your well-being and happiness. Dr. Everly says many of the behaviors reinforce and enhance the others, which he calls the “positive psychology cascade.”

For example, relationships and engagement with others can help you build a resilient foundation for coping with life’s challenges. Positive interactions with others also help foster a sense of belonging and support, which in turn enhances emotional well-being. And engaging in activities often involves collaboration and sharing experiences with others.

Meanwhile, finding meaning and purpose in life is another key part of a happy life. Reflect on what gives your life purpose and set goals, whether in your career, personal growth, or community involvement. That, in turn, helps you build positive relationships as you invest time into nurturing them. Show appreciation, offer support, and engage in meaningful conversations to strengthen your connections.

Our understanding of mental health has changed dramatically since the first Mental Health Awareness Month 75 years ago. It’s no longer just about destigmatizing mental illness but also finding ways to support and enhance mental wellness. Let’s focus on our strengths – and especially our relationships – to create a healthier and happier world for everyone.

All the best,

Jim