Elephant in the Room
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][vc_social_links size=”normal” email=”” facebook=”www.facebook.com/prosperityedwell.com” twitter=”@ProspEDWELL” google=”” linkedin=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbprosperity” youtube=”” flickr=”” instagram=”” behance=”” pinterest=”” skype=”” tumblr=”” dribbble=”” vk=”” rss=””]I feel it, do you feel it? That uncomfortable silence and sense of dis-ease that comes when you or someone you love is suffering, but no one is talking about it. Not with a broken arm, or with cancer, or with just a rough day full of identifiable little inconveniences. This suffering is all-together different, it’s silent, because we are silent, it’s the elephant in the room… mental illness.
There is a definitive shift in the air, we are as a nation focusing more on emotional wellness and preventative care than ever before. Part of this is because people were tired of hiding, of suffering silently, and part is a result of the natural connectivity that recent technology provides. We are unveiling ourselves in a society that can be both supportive and condemning. In short, this unveiling is terrifying, not knowing what you are going to get once your vulnerability is out and you’re left exposed to the harsh voices of the masses. Despite this, the unveiling is critical to the wellness of the individual and community as a whole. Talking about the real issues takes away their power and helps us become better advocates for ourselves and for others who need a strong voice.
The Reality:
Mental health problems affect nearly every family in America, and by extension, nearly every family in your community.
The Good News:
- Recovery is possible! There are many successful interventions, treatments, and services available to people with mental health problems.
The Bad News:
- Many people with mental health problems do not seek or receive treatment because of stigma, fear, or lack of awareness of resources
The facts below are intended to arm you*:
- 1:4 Adults suffer with mental illness
- There are over 200 conditions classified as mental illness
- 1:20 Americans has a significant mental illness (Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder)
- 50% of all mental health disorders show their first signs before 14 years of age; 75% of all mental health disorders show their first signs before 24 years of age
- Those with mental illnesses are 10X more likely to be victims of violent crime
- Only 20% of children receive treatment for their mental health diagnosis; Only 38% of adults receive treatment for their mental health diagnosis
- In 2011, 8 million adults reported dual mental health and substance abuse disorders
- 45% of people with one diagnosis will meet the criteria for having another 2 disorders
- Mental health and substance abuse disorders, that are untreated lead to more deaths than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and traffic accidents combined.
Stigma hurts everyone!
Mental health disorders do not have a single cause (many factors contribute to mental illness and emotional wellness). Stigma is a major barrier to treatment, i.e., people who suffer with mental illness do not seek treatment, for fear of discrimination or lack of understanding about mental illness.
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Not seeking treatment can prolong the suffering of an individual with mental health problems and impact their ability to effectively function in school or at work; additionally, mental health problems often strain relationships, which often leads to additional negative outcomes.
What you can do to reduce stigma:
- Know the facts
- Mental illness is actually quite common, it affects 1:4 families and 1:17 people have a mental illness diagnosis in America at any time
- Speak Out
- When you hear someone reinforcing a negative stereotype, take the opportunity to educate them
- Discrepancy
- Recognize that people are not their diagnosis. As opposed to “she is schizophrenic” say “she has schizophrenia”
- Open the Conversation
- Make it okay to talk about mental illness and emotional wellness; the more these topics are addressed the less stigma there is associated with mental health problems.
- Practice Compassion
- Engage others with empathy and respect; reduce language like nuts, crazy, loony, etc.
- Help People Seek Support
- We all go through rough times, it is okay to ask for help. Encourage the individual to seek treatment or help them find resources.
- Give People a Sense of Hope
- Remember there are successful interventions and services available to help almost all mental health diagnoses. Encourage the individual to find a professional to help them address their mental health
No one wants to talk about the elephant in the room; mental illness isn’t cute, it isn’t fun, it’s downright scary and can have some pretty awful impacts. Chances are you or someone you know is suffering and it’s not necessary. Help is out there, it’s available and accessible. Together we can stop the suffering by starting the conversation. Let go of the dis-ease and become who you are meant to be. #StoptheStigma
* https://www.morningsiderecovery.com/mental-illness/stop-the-stigma-infographic/
Written by Prosperity’s Ashley Steelman, MSW[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
