Breaking the Silence: A Journey to Overcoming the Mental Health Stigma

Dealing with the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

First things first:

• Self-Acceptance/Self-Awareness

We cannot begin to change the world around us if we first do not change the world within us.

It starts within, by coming to terms with our mental health and by not living in denial.

In my experience, shaming myself made it that much harder to cope with living with a mental illness.

Until I fully accepted and faced my new reality, I would continue being insane.

As we know, "insanity" is repeatedly carrying out the same action yet expecting a different result and/or outcome. Make the shift, change that ugly narrative, thinking that you are unlovable because you live with an invisible illness. I urge you not to label yourself but to have hope beyond that label and/or labels, whatever they may be. For example, I have Bipolar Disorder but I am not Bipolar. This helps me recognize that I am not my illness nor does it define me.

• Be Informed/Educated/Spread Awareness:

  Learn as much as you possibly can about Mental Health and share facts/statistics with others, therefore, spreading awareness.

  There is no shame in having a mental illness although those of us living with one tend to carry boatloads of shame because of societal norms. It is time we shed more light on these sensitive and in-depth topics. Normalizing conversations around Mental Health can help end the stigma.

By sharing your own story, you too can be a pivotal part of changing this outdated narrative.

Become an advocate and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

• Seek/Normalize Treatment:

  There is NO shame in asking for help. Share as many resources as possible that can help others. For example, therapy can aid in maintaining one's mental health/preventing a lapse.

  I have been in therapy consistently for the past four (4) going on five (5) years now.

  Feel free to reach out and ask for resources/guidance if need be. No judgment here.
  

• Volunteer/Donate/Start a Support Group:

Use your time to volunteer for Mental Health causes/organizations.

Donate to a Mental Health Foundation/Organization

Start a small in-person or online support group with monthly or weekly meetings.

It could be a support group you start at church and/or one that meets online via ZOOM.

Ending the stigma surrounding Mental Health is a lifelong cause.

Some people go without asking for help/go without seeking treatment because they are afraid to speak up for fear of being alienated and/or judged.

The time to break this cycle is NOW. Join me in contributing to the end of the Mental Health Stigma.

Share your stories/experiences. Together we can cultivate necessary change in the world of Mental Health.