“Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.”
– Noam Shpancer, PhD
How does the quote above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
May is Mental Health Month...
Mental health is a human experience. We must care for not only our bodies, but also our emotions and thoughts.
How has your experience been over this past month?
Think about that for a moment... have your thoughts and emotions been different, have they changed at all..?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports, most people who live with mental illness have, at some point, been blamed for their condition. They’ve been called names. Their symptoms have been referred to as “a phase” or something they can control “if they only tried.” They have been illegally discriminated against, with no justice. This is the power that stigma holds.
What is your definition of stigma?
stigma | noun
a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Stigma sets a person apart from others. When a person is labelled by their illness they are no longer seen as an individual but as part of a stereotyped group.
In Mental Health, Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness.
Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need.
Stigma causes people to feel ashamed for something that is out of their control.
Stigma prevents people from seeking the help they need.
For a group of people who already carry such a heavy burden, stigma is an unacceptable addition to their pain.
How do you fight stigma?
Think about it... mental illness is a human experience... it's our responsibility,,,
NAMI: the National Alliance on Mental Illness shares 9 ways to help put a stop to the stigma.
9 Ways to Fight Mental Health Stigma
1. Talk Openly About Mental Health: Share your story or the story of someone close to you, post on your social media platforms. If it helps one person, its worth it.
2. Educate Yourself and Others: Take every opportunity to educate yourself and others. If you overhear a comment that makes you uncomfortable, intervene, explain how it makes you feel and that the behavior only adds to the stigma.
3. Be Conscious of Language: Remind people that their language matters. It is easy to refrain from using mental health conditions as adjectives and most people will replace them with something else if you explain why its problematic.
4. Encourage Equality Between Physical and Mental Illness: When people understand that mental illness as a disease they are less likely to make inappropriate comments. Remind them, "they wouldn't make fun of someone with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer."
5. Show Compassion for Those with Mental Illness: Talk to people in the metal health population, show some affection, that simple act can make someones day. Lead by example. It's contagious.
6. Choose Empowerment Over Shame: If you have a mental illness or not, choose to live an empowered life. Own your truth, share your story and refuse to let others dictate how you view yourself or feel about yourself.
7. Be Honest About Treatment: Why can people say I have an appointment with a primary care doctor without being judged, but this lack of fear does not apply when it comes to mental health professionals? Saying I see a therapist helps fight the stigma.
8. Let the Media Know When They’re Being Stigmatizing: Whether it's network news, TV programming, the radio, social media, live, or in print, if you witness inappropriate comments, offensive language, insensitive story-lines, or misleading headlines, be willing to make your feelings known. Write the networks, send an email, and tell others to do the same.
9. Don’t Harbor Self-Stigma: Don't hold stigma for yourself... Don't hide in shame... Be a productive member of society. Volunteer, become a mentor, share with your friends, Show others that they can live a meaningful life even while battling mental illness.
“Don’t give in to stigma. A diagnosis does not determine who you are or what you can do!”
How will you continue the fight to disable the stigma of mental illness?
...Don't miss your opportunity... what will you commit to doing...
Being part of the solution takes courage. Be courageous, intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
Related Article:
9 Ways to Fight Mental Health Stigma
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