Mental illness is NOT a personal failure!
Every single day comes with new challenges; it’s our attitude which makes it a good or a bad day.
Many times it is our internal stigma which gives us the immense feeling of self-doubt and shame of expressing how we feel and how something is affecting us.
But a lot of times it’s also the people around us who make us feel that way. People who don’t understand an individual’s mental state and make comments about it, people who give names and who believe it’s only ‘a phase’ and the sufferer could get over it only if they tried.
Stigma causes one to feel ashamed and it stops a person from seeking the help he needs. It is only an unacceptable addition to their pain.
Sometimes our attitude towards someone’s mental health can make a big difference. We don’t even realize how small acts of kindness can leave an impact for a lifetime and sometimes how one insulting judgment can shatter someone’s confidence for the rest of their day, or even for the rest of their lives.
As important as it is to help the people going through mental health problems, it is also necessary to help the people who stigmatize mental health problems.
There are many exercises that can be practiced around us in the society to help such people. Below is a list of things we can do for these people and for the sufferers because of them.
- Talk openly about mental health:
It is very important to be vocal about how you feel, you might not think it helps you or anyone listening to you but it might give a little courage and aid to the person who is also going through a similar situation. Maybe your story can benefit and comfort them.
‘Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into open.’ – Steven Aitchison
- Be conscious of language:
Be mindful of the words that come out of your mouth. Many a times your jokes about their insecurities or even narrow opinions can break them into pieces. Be very careful of what you say, think of how you would feel if the words you are about to say were said to you.
- Show compassion:
Offer help to people you know are suffering, in your family, your community, your workplace, or even if it’s some person you see on the streets. Make life easier for people, sit with them, and talk to them about how they feel, tell them how you feel to make them think better about themselves. A simple act of showing affection goes a long way.
- Treatment:
If someone believes they need to see a psychiatrist or they need therapy, don’t upset them by mocking them; instead ask if you can be some help to them.
- Be productive:
This may be the hardest to do while going through a mental illness, but it is crucial to be a productive member of the society. Do things that encourage other people in varied ways. Be purpose driven and live a meaningful life.
- Don’t isolate:
Don’t isolate someone because of their mental state, be a friend and make conversation and consultation, try to figure out what they are experiencing and how you can cooperate.
- Speak against stigma:
Express your opinions at various events, write letters to editors or write blogs or different articles for the internet. It will support in educating the public.
Not all wounds are so obvious, walk gently in the lives of others. Also, never give up on someone with mental illness, when the ‘I’ is replaced by ‘we’- illness becomes wellness.
Mahrukh is a Nursing student at The Aga Khan University, and a true supporter of mental health as priority and believes that optimistic stance towards mental health awareness is crucial for mentally healthy society.