Mental health and mental illness can be a hard topic to talk about, both for the person struggling and for the person on the other side of the conversation. This problem can be largely attributed to the stigma surrounding such topics, and the lack of true education on how to act when certain situations appear. When people do not talk about their mental health problems, whether it be something they have been diagnosed with or just being stressed out for the moment, the problem tends to get worse. Although, treatment through counseling may not always be necessary just being able to vent to a friend without fear of being judged could have a huge positive impact on that person's life. So if it is better for someone to seek help or treatment, why don't they? Here are 4 common reasons that people do not open up about their mental illness.
1. They are afraid of being judged or labeled.
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Due to the stigma surrounding the issues of mental health, people who have yet to reach out hear stories of how others were labeled or mistreated because they chose to open up or ask for help. The mindsets previously encouraged by society that people who struggle are weak or faking it or just saying it to get attention cause those struggling to put up a mask and pretend that everything is perfect until they cannot fake it anymore and they either face their fears and speak out, or the worst may happen. If we have the proper education in schools and even in the workplace that teach people that struggling with mental health issues is nothing to be ashamed of who knows how many lives could be changed or even saved.
2. Invalidation
Often in cases with mental illness, especially in teenagers and young adults, is that even if someone finally reaches out for help they are told that they are overreacting or "it's just a phase" and their problems are just swept under the rug. When this happens to a person they tend to stop seeking out help, and often times the problem gets worse. When a young person comes to you saying that they are hurting do not just ignore it or brush it off as "typical teenage problems" actually listen to them and make sure that there isn't more to the story. Who knows it could save that person a lot of trouble in the future, or even save their life.
3. Self-doubt and Self-Hate
One problem specifically linked to eating disorders and many other mental health issues, such as depression, is the belief that one is not "sick enough" to seek out treatment or even need it. Another big problem is that many people who struggle believe that they do not deserve help. Both of these issues prevent people from seeking out help because they are afraid others will look at them and laugh saying that they do not need or are not worthy of receiving treatment.
4. Some people just aren't strong enough to reach out on their own.
Which is why it is so important to pay attention! Due to all of the reasons above and many other reasons that vary from each individual it can prohibit someone from ever seeking help and healing. If we again have proper education, not just of suicide warning signs, but for other common issues as well it could really reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. simple honest question of how someone is doing could be all it takes to ease their minds, remind them that they are cared for, and give them hope.
So if you are struggling, or if you think someone you know might be, don't be afraid to reach out for help or ask the hard questions. Starting conversations is the only way to shine a light on these issues, and ultimately save lives. Remember that when someone does come to you seeking help that does not automatically mean that they are suicidal, they could just be having a sucky day and need a friend.
If this is an emergency or if you or a loved one is really struggling right now please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1-800-273-8255 or text START to the Crisis Textline at 741-741.
For more information on these issues please check out To Write Love On Her Arms.
