Mental health stigma is the number one inhibitor to seeking help or treatment for mental health disorders. Are you part of the mental health stigma or advocating against it?
Ask yourself These Questions About Mental Health
- Are you comfortable talking about mental health, mental illness, and mental wellbeing?
- Have you ever had to address your own mental health issues?
- Have you ever avoided talking about your own mental health issues or the mental health issues of someone close to you out of shame?
- When someone talks to you about a mental health issue, how do you respond?
- Are you encouraging to others who are seeking treatment for mental health issues or are in recovery?
- Do you discuss mental health issues as if they are points of gossip, making it seem like people who live with mental health issues are “bad” or “wrong” or “scandalous” or “less than”?
- Is your family open to talking about mental health and mental health issues?
- Have you ever taken steps to help someone find treatment for mental health issues?
- When people speak poorly of mental health issues and people with mental health issues, how do you respond?
- What are your beliefs about about mental health? What do you think society believes about mental health?
- Can you listen to people talk about mental health without judging them?
- Do you have an understanding of mental health and mental health issues at all?
What You Can Do To Start Supporting Mental Health Awareness
- You don’t have to do more than let people know you are supportive of recovery from mental health issues. Automatically, this lets others know that you aren’t judgmental or dismissive of mental health issues.
- Research mental health history in your own family. If someone close to you struggles with mental health, open a dialogue with them. Ask them about their experiences and how you can support them. Let them know that you are available to advocate for them and support them in healthy way possible.
- Treat mental health issues like physical health issues. If you notice problematic symptoms in yourself or others, be the encouraging voice for getting an assessment.
- Stop rejecting the idea of mental health issues and realize they are legitimate.
Avalon By The Sea invites family members and loved ones to participate in recovery together. Through family programming, family therapy, and relationship counseling we help everyone get involved in recovery. For a confidential assessment and more information on our primary care treatment facilities for mental health and substance use, call us today at 888-958-7511.
