Haneen Muthar Issa, TIU
How often do you check in on your family and friends and ask how they’ve been doing/feeling lately?
According to WHO one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders. People struggling with their mental health may be one of your friends or a family members. You will often only know if one tells you directly and is sometimes not as obvious as a broken leg or arm. Sadly most of those that struggle with mental health do not reach out for help or seek treatment, because of the stigma attached to mental health. They fear that their surroundings will see or treat them in a negative way because of their mental illness.
However, the good news is that there are ways that can help in removing stigma, like language. People should not label those who have mental illness. Instead of saying “mentally ill” it is preferred to say “ has a mental illness” or instead of saying “he’s bipolar” it is preferred to say” he has a bipolar disorder”. It shows that the illness does not define the person.
Furthermore, understanding is also considered an important way to remove stigma. It is necessary to educate ourselves and learn all we can about mental health issues, along with their signs and symptoms. We should include those suffering from mental illnesses in our social circle and not exclude them or make them feel different. It is during such times, when we should show our endless support to our loved ones. We can start by asking what we can do to help, but sometimes all they need is someone who can listen and understand them without making judgements; someone who could remind them of the amazing things they are capable of and have achieved in the past; someone who could help restore their hope, by reminding them that they are never alone, they matter and they are appreciated.
People with mental illnesses also need love, support and care, just like how they are taken care of when they have the cold or flu. Just like how a doctor helps to take care of one’s physical health, a therapist is there to take care of mental health. There is no shame in seeing a therapist, we have to talk about therapy openly, and see it as something positive and not shameful. At times, we may not be able to see the illness, but that does not mean we are powerless to help. It is important to spread the word either through in person dialogues or connect globally through social media. A single post or tweet about importance of mental health, maintaining good mental health and speaking up might help save someone’s life and help them through their battle.
There is this famous quote by Germany Kent that says “Reach out and help others. If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. Be a vessel, be the change, be the difference, or be the inspiration. Shine your light as an example. The world needs more of that.”
Referances: https://heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/supporting-a-friend-or-family-member-with-a-mental-illness#resources
https://theravive.com/end-stigma/ https://psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-recovery-coach/201903/5-steps-reduce-stigma-about-mental-illness
https://teenmentalhealth.org/understanding-stigma/ https://who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/ https://betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness https://goodreads.com/quotes/8714702-reach-out-and-help-others-if-you-have-the-power
