Let’s shatter mental health stigmas by building resilience
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor…”1
The 13th century Persian poet, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi penned these words in his famous poem, The Guest House, as he tried to explore the depths and complexities of human emotions. This composition is an apt read as we acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of wellness that allows individuals to learn, grow, adapt, and thrive in society2. It is also a critical component of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 which aims to promote good health and well-being for all. Mental health disorders can increase vulnerability to developing other diseases and it contributes heavily to global disease burden through human and economic losses3. In 2021, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) stated that each year, nearly 1 in 5 people living in Canada will experience mental illness4. Also of deep concern is the fact that in 2020, nearly 1 in 4 hospitalizations for children and youth aged 5 to 24 were for mental health conditions5.
Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems in Canada, stigmatization remains an important barrier in acknowledging and seeking help. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) estimates that around 60% of individuals experiencing mental illness refuse to disclose their vulnerability for fear of being labelled or discriminated by society6. Forced to suffer in silence, poor mental health can have rippling consequences for the person, their family, and the community at large. So, let’s do better!
How Can You Help?
- Change starts from within therefore begin with a self-introspection of your own thoughts, feelings, and biases regarding mental illness. If there are areas in your reflection that are less than optimal, then address these deficits through education and exposure. The MHCC Website has a great compilation of articles and trainings to support this journey.
- Facilitate non-judgmental dialogue platforms in your personal and professional spheres, where mental health issues can be discussed openly, and personal experiences can be shared in a safe environment. This can help to raise awareness of mental illnesses and promote mental wellbeing.
- Be vocal on mental health issues on social media or in your community, and advocate for positive mental health campaigns that will support and amplify this cause. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)’s Sunrise Challenge7 is one such example of a social media campaign which will run from May 29-June 2, 2023, and it aims to raise funds to support research on mental health and transformative patient care.
- Finally, as an objective for Mental Health Awareness Month (and all year round), we need to shatter mental health stigmas and re-label help-seeking as a form of strength, not weakness. It is easy for an individual to be overwhelmed by situational stressors such as deadlines, unsuccessful applications to schools or jobs, or squabbles with friends. It takes great courage to share one’s vulnerability and ask for help. Therefore, as a society, let’s create mature, unprejudiced spaces where help-seeking behaviour is lauded and access to additional mental health services are encouraged. Remember, when we support each other, we build thriving communities.
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