Speak up :- Stigma around mental illnesses
“Plan for what is difficult when it is easy, do what is great when it is small”- Sun Tzu in Art Of War
6 months into this year and people of the world has seen its fair share of misadventure, we have been struck but people move on. But does everyone move on though?
How are you coping in 2020? Everyone talks about awareness regarding mental health but how many of us speak up what we feel?
9 Reasons why?
- Because I am fine
Denial is clinically the first sign that something is not right in our life, followed by anger/frustration and finally to depression. Ironically the acceptance of the fact that you are ill usually comes at the very last. So if someone close to you notices a change in your behavior pay caution to it.
- Because my family/ friends won't understand it
Almost all traditional families including mine have certain unsaid rules of what can be shared and what cannot. It's about time we change that, if a charity can begin at home then why not awareness? Speak up or discuss it.
- Because everyone will know, and I might lose job/partner
You don’t get to chose your enemies but you do get to chose your allies, chose them wisely, confide in someone who you have always been sharing for so many years, the rules don’t change here as well. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
- Because I am strong and I can’t be seen as weak
Mental illness is just like any illness. It doesn’t discriminate between rich and poor, strong and weak, or success or failure. If Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can come out and speak about his depression, so you can too.
- Because even if I share it's not that they can do anything
Well, they cannot make you feel good but can surely tell you one or two about how. While you are anxious, fearful, sad, or depressed a fresh perception from someone you trust, and respect can make an enormous difference. You are seeking guidance, not answers from them if nothing else they can surely encourage you to the right direction
- Because I don’t want to be labeled mad or crazy
This fear comes from a common belief which most people unconsciously believe in when you label someone e.g. she is so evil for hitting her child, you don’t define that the act to be evil but the woman’s entire core essence is evil. Ever thought she might be a good person but she did a bad thing of hitting the child. Disassociate yourself with that kind of idea when your perception changes so will your insecurities too and you will be more at peace with your self-esteem.
- Because I don’t want to be put on medications or go to a rehab
Not all professional help lead to medications or rehab, the approach is very individualized the sooner you recognize that you need help the faster and easier therapy gets
- Because I think I can handle it
You cannot DIY your way to make everything right in your life, sometimes its best left to professionals. Yes, you may be uncomfortable with a certain approach always look for a second professional opinion when in doubt
- Because nobody cared to ask
Assuming the worst of every situation is also a typical sign of mental illness like anxiety disorder and depression. It's not that others don’t care, it's your belief they don’t and hence speaking up can open more doors for connection, sharing and meaningful conversation.
Let’s change our personal stigma around mental illnesses before we can change the public narrative. Awareness is not enough, speak up. Either you need help or you can be of help
BE VULNERABLE
It means to show up and be seen, to ask for what you need, to talk about how you are feeling, to have the hard conversations. Vulnerability is not weakness it's our greatest measure of courage – Brene Brown