Mental Health and the Stigma Surrounding It

 Mental health can be a really difficult and sensitive topic to talk about. I know that I find it hard and even uncomfortable sometimes but I’m hoping that by writing this blog that will change. ‘Mental Health Memoirs’ is something I want to use to share my own personal experiences while also giving advice that I found helpful during really hard times in my life.

My first topic is mental health and the stigma that comes with it. I definitely used to keep to myself about my mental health struggles in fear that talking about it openly would only lead people to perceive me as a fake or an attention seeker. I do still struggle with opening up sometimes but I’ve definitely started to open up more with the people around me and thanks to the topic becoming more normalised over the years it’s much easier to talk about. However, it’s no doubt that stigma does still exist.

Stigma is when someone is marked or discredited somehow, or reduced from being a whole person to being a stereotype or labelled as a collection of symptoms or a diagnosis (e.g. ‘psychotic’) (health direct). Stigma comes from people’s lack of understanding about mental health and mental illnesses and sadly some people just have negative perceptions and beliefs towards it. It can hold people back from seeking help and opening up in fear of being labelled mentally ill.

So how can we combat stigma? Well, I know that many things are easier said than done, like speaking up and educating others when a negative stereotype arises in conversation about mental illness. I know years ago I would just stay quiet to avoid making an awkward situation or in fear of others finding me annoying but it’s important to remember that fighting stigma makes the struggle of mental illness that bit easier. Also remember that your mental health does not define you as a person. You are your own person, not your mental illness. Convince yourself of this first and it makes it easier for others to see this too . And lastly, never be afraid to seek help. Don’t let the fear of being labelled stop you from getting the treatment you need. Therapy is something I see so many people turning to now and it is great to see. I encourage anyone reading who has access to therapy to try it even just once, talking can really feel like a weight off your shoulders. If there’s anyone who does not have such easy access to therapy talk to someone around you, even if you feel alone there is always someone that cares enough to listen.

I say all of this now and I do truly believe that it helps but I know that it really takes time. I still struggle with communication and sometime I do feel alone but over time I have gotten better at seeking help and shooting down stigmas and I know you can too. Mental health never defines us.

Thank you for reading. I hope this weeks post has been helpful to you. If there's any particular topics you want me to talk about or you simply want to talk, feel free to let me know :) <3

Never struggle in silence. Below are some helplines for those who may need. 

🤍 Mental Health Ireland 

🤍 HSE

🤍 Pieta