Mental Health - "A taboo"

“It’s just a phase, you’ll get over it.”

When you finally do build up the courage to talk about your Mental Health, hearing these words can be absolutely devastating. Most often than not, you yourself are blamed for your condition and are dismissed when you try to voice out how you feel which leads to a feeling of shame and guilt. Talking about Mental Health is taboo all over the world, even in developed countries. There is also a lot of stigma around mental health and it is more prominent in certain communities. Since Mental Health is very different from physical health in the fact that it is not actually visible in the form of x-rays and such, it is easier to believe that it doesn’t exist. Why are people refusing to talk about it, why is it such a taboo?

There are a number of reasons, beginning with the fact that there isn’t enough research and awareness on the topic, to the fact that some people just don’t “buy it”. There are certain communities in the world that ignore Mental Health due to the fact that it makes a person behave in a way that is not acceptable to society. We live in a world where people care way too much about what others think of them or their family and friends, which is why it is easier to plead ignorance than face the adversities. For a person suffering from a mental illness, it is a lot simpler to turn a deaf ear, so as to not be outcast from their community and be viewed as a weak-minded individual. This is a global health problem and more than a billion people are suffering, what can we do to eradicate this mentality?

If you are a person who knows someone suffering from Mental Health or just wants to help, educating yourself is the first step. Even if you don’t fully understand, acknowledge it. Practice empathy and compassion. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. 

If you are a person suffering from Mental Illness or are experiencing declining Mental Health, you can get rid of this stigma by speaking up and getting help. Yes, this is easier said than done but there are different ways you can do so. Talk to a friend or a family member, talk to a therapist, write about your feelings, share your thoughts online. All of this may seem like tiny insignificant steps that will make no difference, but it can have a huge impact on a stranger out there who will be motivated to do the same, and hence the cycle continues. 

The more awareness and the more people talk about this “taboo” topic, the higher the chance of eliminating this negative mentality. It will eventually lead to a community that is more understanding and supportive and can openly talk about it and encourages others to do the same. Remember,

“the only thing more exhausting than having a mental illness is pretending that you don’t”.