Mental Health: Stop the Stigma

A few years ago, a close friend was going through a rough patch. He had just broken up with his sweetheart and was having a hard time getting over it. One day, while I was talking to him on the phone, he told me that he was feeling better since he started seeing a psychiatrist.

– “A shrink? Why are you seeing a shrink?” I asked him.
– Why shouldn’t I see a shrink?
– Because you have family and friends who are willing to listen and support you. There’s no point in paying a stranger to listen to your problems.

Looking back, I realize how naive I was. Yes, I had good intentions, but I had it all wrong. A few years later, I finally understood that mental illnesses are like physical illnesses and that they must be treated by specialists. Depression is an illness like any other and can be treated with recognized treatments.

Unfortunately, it must be said that most people are reluctant to consult a mental health professional because of the prejudices that exist in our society. Indeed, there are many popular beliefs that discourage people with depression from seeking help.

Some people who won’t consult a specialist because they are convinced that they cannot have a mental illness. Others refuse to do it because they think they can manage on their own. What these people do not know is that early management of their ills, as soon as the first symptoms appear, is crucial to the success of their treatment. In other words, the earlier the person goes for a consultation, the faster he or she will recover. Refusing to consult a specialist, when you clearly need it, is suicide.

I recently read that almost half of those diagnosed of a mental illness are embarrassed and afraid to talk to their friends about it. Every time I think back to the day my friend told me about his mental health, a sense of shame overwhelms me. He had taken his courage in both hands and confided in me. What did I offer him back? Reproach!

I was stupid. By questioning his decision to consult a psychiatrist, I have only perpetuated the stigma that has persisted for too long. The studies are categorical: for many people with mental illness, stigma and discrimination are more difficult to bear than the symptoms of the disease itself.

According to a report on mental illness in Canada, about one in five people will suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime and 80% of the population will be affected by a mental illness in a family member, friend or colleague. As you can see, mental illness is very common in our society and there is a good chance that there are people who suffer in silence around you.

Unfortunately, there are still many myths about mental health and depression continues to be associated with weakness. Because of all these prejudices about mental illness, two-thirds of people with mental illness will not go to a health professional.

If, like me, you want to end the stigma surrounding mental health, I encourage you to put into practice these tips I have found on the Internet:

Help to change negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours towards the afflicted.
For example, intervene with people who make unpleasant and inappropriate jokes or comments. Remind them that their remarks can hurt people and contribute to their stigmatization.
Raise awareness about mental illness by providing sensible information.
Talk about it!
Talk about the fact that mental illness affects all of us directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Mental health problems are curable. The stories of people who have experienced mental health problems and are doing well are effective ways to combat stereotypes.
Watch your language: instead of using the word “crazy”, use the expression “person with a mental illness”. Choosing the right words can make all the difference. Sentences such as “It’s going to pass” and “Take it easy” can hurt rather than help. Replace these sentences with: “How can I help you?”

Editor’s Note:
The original opinion piece can be found on ‘Un lion parmi les hommes‘

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Hopiho

As a kid, I wanted to become a superhero. That didn't work out. I settled to become a doctor. That didn't work out. I settled to become a football star. That didn't work out. So now you have to settle for a dope blogger and rapper.