Mental health is a topic that is growing in discussion. With more people feeling free to speak, the stigma appears to have a lesser presence. Even though it still exists to an extent, we need to move beyond it.

This guide will go over a few reasons why we need to move beyond the stigma now rather than never. If you are considering the idea of getting help for a mental disorder, New Waters Recovery can help. Check out their website for more information here: https://newwatersrecovery.com/north-carolina-drug-rehab/.

Let’s talk more about building better mental health and getting rid of a stigma that just might be dying off.

More people are talking about their mental disorders

The growing number of people opening up about their mental disorders is increasing. It’s a sign that others will be able to follow suit soon after. They see it as a sign of strength as opposed to weakness.

It gives them a message: you’re not alone. It also tells them not to be afraid to talk about their struggles. If anything, it gives them a chance to speak about it to like minded people.

You will likely talk to people who won’t be part of the stigma. Most people will understand what you’re going through. Those who are part of the stigma won’t understand as much.

More people are being educated about the importance of mental health

Not everyone may be aware of the true importance of mental health. Because of this, they may see things as completely normal (but bad for them mentally). For example, they may see overworking to the point of exhaustion as a normal risk.

What they don’t realize is that it will do more harm than good. Burnout and stress are two of the major reasons why mental disorders can develop. About one-third of people who had developed mental disorders were related to their job.

If you’re an employer, you should take the necessary steps to take mental health seriously. Make connections with mental health counselors and professionals. You can use that network in case you or any of your employees need help.

You should also take a day to present a seminar to your employees about mental health. Let them know that it’s OK to talk about it if something is wrong. Remind them that discussions will be confidential.

You can also let them know that resources will be available at their request. You’ll do your part to take care of your employees. At the same time, find a suitable work/life balance that will prevent your employees from overworking to the point of near burnout.

We need to be more understanding about mental health

We may not know what another person is going through. We don’t follow them around every day of the week. So it’s important that we take into consideration what they might be dealing with.

Someone may be going through a traumatic situation. They may have lost a member of their family. It’s situations like these where mental disorders can be developed.

Those who stigmatize mental illness do so because of lack of understanding. Or they may refuse this and decide to be ignorant. It’s unfortunate, but it happens.

You should consider understanding the type of mental health disorders that exist. This also includes the symptoms they may exhibit. You may also need to learn how it can lead to worse things such as suicide.

We need to be understanding of others and be empathetic. We may feel the need to exhibit a negative response to who may have ‘wronged’ us. When in reality they may have been in a bad mood and they might have lashed out at us for nothing.

Empathy and compassion are two things that we need to use in order to battle the stigma against mental illness. If you can do this, you can do your part to end the stigma as we know it. Until then, it still exists despite being less prevalent than before.

Be willing to listen when someone wants to talk

A lot of people refuse to talk about their mental health struggles for many reasons. One of them may be shame and embarrassment. Another is that they’re afraid that no one will listen.

If it’s someone that is close to you or even a co-worker, you should be able to lend an ear. Ask questions if possible. Also, think about what you’re going to say.

You may need to take caution with your words. You may say something that may seem harmless and it may upset them. It’s unfortunate that things like this happen.

For the most part, you should listen and take notes. Even though you are not a professional, you can get a good idea of what they are going through. You can also suggest they get professional help (although that could upset them).

Be sure that you’re able to communicate with someone that may be going through a rough time. If there is one thing that will bring someone closer to managing their mental disorder, it can be communication.

A person can get the help they need and regularly communicate with their therapist. Each session can last a lengthy period of time. Yet, progress can be made.

With the right treatment such as talk therapy and medication, mental disorders can be manageable. 

Final Thoughts

Ending the mental health stigma is more possible than ever. There was a time when it was stronger than ever. With more people opening up about their struggles, that stigma is shrinking. 

It won’t be something that happens overnight. But getting rid of the stigma is possible and can disappear if we do our part. These four suggestions we’ve outlined above should be a good start.

If you are struggling with a mental disorder, be sure to get the help you need. You’ll feel better knowing that you can manage it with the right kind of treatment plan.