Stigma and Mental Health

I am not surprised that most publicity to mental health is seen after a specific eventuality. Suicide.

You will hear stories of how a child was beaten and injured by a teacher or how a man killed his father because of food or how people are "comfortably" working in toxic environments. But you will rarely hear the term "mental health" crop up under these circumstances.

We are still slow to accepting that a child or neighbour or family member could be going through stuff that makes them act a certain way. And that most of this actions are close to being involuntary.

Just like physical illness, mental illness has signs and symptoms that we should be keen to observe. Low energy levels, overwhelming feelings of sadness or guilt, excessive anger, extreme mood changes, withdrawal, are just but examples.

If not treated or attended to, mental illness, just like physical illness may lead to the eventuality of death. It is an illness like any other.

Each one of us should take charge of their mental health. Let us learn to be kind to ourselves and to point out every unhealthy space and consciously work towards eradicating it, or moving away from it.

Let us advocate for healthy work spaces, healthy learning environments, healthy relationships, reduced cost of therapy and safe spaces for conversations.

But first, I would urge every survivor to open up about their experiences to help alleviate the stigma around and give someone hope, that they can consciously dig themselves out of negative mental health spaces and create a healthier space for themselves and for others.

For anyone struggling through this currently, It is possible to change your perspective, and It gets better.