Our mental health is made up of how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. It can impact us across all life domains including daily living, work and school, relationships, and physical health.
Although there can be a stigma associated with mental illness, anyone can suffer from mental health problems. While certain individuals or groups are more vulnerable because of environmental factors, genetics, and life experiences, no one is immune to poor mental health.
Although there can be a stigma associated with mental illness, anyone can suffer from mental health problems. While certain individuals or groups are more vulnerable because of environmental factors, genetics, and life experiences, no one is immune to poor mental health.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
RAISING AWARENESS AND BREAKING THE STIGMA
Mental health awareness has different meanings for everyone involved. For those not dealing with a personal mental illness, it is about developing an understanding of another person's mental health needs, and consciously working to create an environment that encourages openness around the discussion of mental health.
For the individual impacted by mental illness, awareness is a developmental process. It does not necessarily occur after a first episode of mental illness, nor require a diagnostic label. Awareness is a complex and individual learning process that involves a growing understanding of the self and the place of mental illness within the self-identity.
Stigma and lack of understanding of mental health and mental illness are major barriers to awareness.
For the individual impacted by mental illness, awareness is a developmental process. It does not necessarily occur after a first episode of mental illness, nor require a diagnostic label. Awareness is a complex and individual learning process that involves a growing understanding of the self and the place of mental illness within the self-identity.
Stigma and lack of understanding of mental health and mental illness are major barriers to awareness.
HOW CAN YOU HELP RAISE AWARENESS?
Talk with people you know - ask family, friends and coworkers how they’re doing and really listen to the answers. If they give any indication that they are depressed or stressed out, let them know that there are resources available to help them.
Open up about your own experiences - if you’ve struggled or are struggling with mental illness, share your story. Hearing another person is going through the same thing you are can be a relief. And, it can be the nudge a person needs to get help and look into treatment.
Open up about your own experiences - if you’ve struggled or are struggling with mental illness, share your story. Hearing another person is going through the same thing you are can be a relief. And, it can be the nudge a person needs to get help and look into treatment.