Many people who live with mental illness, unfortunately, will at some point be blamed for their condition. Despite the growing understanding of mental illness and its broader impact on our communities, there is still a veil of misunderstanding surrounding its complexities.
Many may have heard that they are simply “going through a phase,” or that they could control their symptoms if they “just tried harder.” These perceptions have the potential to be very harmful, so addressing and unlearning them is vital to mental wellbeing and happiness.
Stigma can cause people to feel ashamed of something that is out of their control and has the potential to prevent people from seeking help. For people who are already in an at-risk group, stigma in today’s society is no longer acceptable.
Here are some ways you can help address and unlearn the stigma surrounding mental health.
Talk openly about mental health
One of the best ways to combat the stigma around mental health is to make conversation about it normal. The more you approach a subject from an educated standpoint, the more you can dispel the misconceptions that come with it. By understanding the complexities of mental health, you can be a key link in the chain of removing the stigma.
Seek support for yourself
Support for mental health comes in many forms, the most common is by seeking medical or psychological help. These are great support systems to consider when it comes to breaking the stigma of mental health. It’s always recommended that when dealing with serious mental illness, you seek the support of professionals first.
If you need more personal support, you can consider receiving spiritual guidance as well.
According to webmd.com, spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health by improving relationships with yourself, others, and the unknown. Spirituality can help deal with stress by providing a sense of peace, purpose, and forgiveness.
There are many forms of spiritual guidance you can seek out if you feel it may benefit your mental wellbeing. Here are some options to consider:
- John de Ruiter is a Canadian spiritual teacher of Edmonton.John de Ruiter provides online live streams and events surrounding connection, conversation, and much more. He is also an accomplished author.
- Mooji is a healer originally from Jamaica, who has gained an international following due to his spiritual teaching known as satsang, which he learned in India. He is now based out of the UK and Portugal.
- The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) is another resource available to help navigate the difficulties of life while promoting self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Show compassion for those with mental health struggles
Ending stigmatization starts at the ground roots, meaning you first need to show compassion to others who struggle with their mental health. Be willing to listen when appropriate and show kindness when the subject of mental wellbeing is being addressed.
Call out stigma when you see it
This may be the most difficult part, but calling out stigma when you see it is a big part of putting an end to it. You don’t need to get to the point of being confrontational, but a willingness to address something someone has said or done is problematic can help dispel stigma. With compassion and education, you can help others to better understand mental health and eliminate misconceptions in the future.
