Destigmatizing Mental Health
We all know this world is hard enough to make it through while suffering from the stigma of mental health. Are you nervous to let anyone know that you are dealing with mental health issues? Are you feeling judged? Are you feeling alone on this journey? You are not alone, trust us! Many individuals feel this way when it comes to processing how to tell others such as family and friends about their mental health circumstances. Hopefully, this blog post will boost your spirits, allow you to feel more confident, and leave you feeling a part of our community!
When talking about destigmatizing mental health and illnesses it is important to know the facts, which can help avoid these stigmas in the first place! You may feel stigmatized due to your age, sexual orientation, body size, or physical appearance. Do not let what others say get to you because you know who you are! Some major stigmas often include public, self, health practitioner, and associative stigma. It is important to surround yourself with those who accept you for who you are and who will support you in getting any treatment that you see fit!
Promoting Education is also a powerful way to destigmatize mental health illnesses. This can be done throughout your circle of friends and family members. Promoting and educating others through social media is also a powerful tool. This can avoid the harmful effects of stigma including lack of understanding, fewer opportunities in life, bullying, and challenging thoughts of never succeeding. Having a support system around you that can truly understand you, may also allow you to be easier on yourself. Feeling judged by those in your surroundings may lead you to eventually judge yourself and be more harsh in your day-to-day life. It is important to educate others because some mental illnesses can’t even be seen. Remember that you know your situation best and you do have the power to educate those around you!
Mental Illness can be right in front of our eyes or virtually invisible! This ties into why it is so important to educate not only yourself but those around you too. The saying that you never know what others are going through is true, especially when it comes to mental illness. As many of us probably experience not knowing why you feel a certain way is a feeling we have all felt! The stigma surrounding mental health illness does not make it any easier for you to reach out and receive the help you want either. You may look at the person beside you and not even realize that they suffer from severe anxiety or depression, so being kind to others is one step in the right direction!
Choosing words wisely is not always implemented when other individuals are unknowingly contributing to the stigmatization around mental health. Remember this does not mean they don’t care or they are purposefully trying to harm your feelings, they may lack an understanding when it comes to mental illness! Using positive wording towards yourself and others is another great tool for destigmatizing mental illness! Choosing how you speak and how your body language comes across may help to make other individuals feel more included as well. Throw those stigmas out the window, everyone is human!
Now how can Rebound Total Health help to support you? We are here to help you bounce back and realize that you are not defined by any mental illnesses or stigmas that you are experiencing! By avoiding isolation and getting the right treatment, you have the power to overcome not only your mental illness but destigmatizing societal thoughts as well! Our therapists are here to help you in a truly judgment-free zone. We can support you without having to worry about stigmatization! We are here to help you bounce back!
