Mental Health — Why Don't We Talk About It?

I have noticed that no one actually talks about mental health. The Mental Health Foundation statistics stated that "two in three people report having experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime." Why is it that so many people suffer but we rarely hear about it? Wouldn't this mean that our mental health issues would disintegrate and get worse if we aren't open about them?

I mean, how often do you hear colleagues or friends talk negatively about a person who has taken time off due to mental illness. Having a conversation with someone about mental health is basically trying to talk to a brick wall, unless the person is somewhat a sufferer themselves or informed, which is rare. When dealing with my own mental health issues in an institution, I always seem to get an insincere gesture of compassion from the manager/module leader. Surely if I had told them I had a terminal illness, matters would have been taken more seriously. Although, they probably would have replaced me within a matter of days.

The refusal to openly talk about mental health has always led to rumour and that the individual who took time off was "unable to cope." Responses like these automatically associate mental health problems with negative connotations. Why is it that taking time off for a mental health problem(s) makes us seem as though we are weak? If this is the case, it is clear that people do not open up about their mental health problems because they will instantly become a "weak" person in the work place/institution. It's like social factors within the work place are not acknowledged which could be the reason for the individual suffering, but I suppose the easier thing to do would be to blame the sufferer for feeling that way.

When people disclose their mental health problems and rumours begin, it almost becomes a "secret" that people cannot discuss, making it appear shameful to talk about mental health. Why would you want to disclose your mental health problems if they are just going to be dismissed? It's like people are afraid to talk to you or simply bring up the fact that you are suffering. Oh, and let's not forget the advice we do get from the misinformed when we actually decide to tell someone — "Why not try and think more positively?" or "It's all in your head." I mean, why would we make it up? If it was possible to just switch off our mental health problems, I'm sure we all would, right?

So you're probably all wondering, who do you actually talk to when suffering with mental health problem(s)? Perhaps there is someone in your life who you can disclose your mental health problem(s) to. Maybe they are suffering, as well. If the statistics claim that two in three people have reported mental health problems in a lifetime, then maybe you will find that your mom is suffering too, or your friend. What is more relieving than someone else who is going through the same thing as you? It's a great deal for both of you because maybe they are in the same boat as you with no one to talk to? Small conversations are still and always will be important, regardless of the ignorance that may come of this. Talking about your mental health problem(s) will always be crucial to real change!

#StopTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness