How to solve the issue Mental Health and Stigma?

Like physical disorders, mental disorders are a real and tangible problem. Problems that affect our psychological, emotional, biological self can be termed as a physiological being. A lot of people all over the globe suffer from mental health issues. The demographics include children, adults and the elderly.

Anyone is susceptible to the tentacles of mental disorders. The spectrum of mental disorders has always been a stigma in society. People are afraid of being labeled in the society and therefore, they don't seek treatment as well. The stigma associated with mental health needs to be terminated in order for people to go out and seek treatment.

Effects of Mental Health Problems on Life

Any psychological disturbance affects the mind-body relationship. The severity of effects can surpass the human saturation point as well. Some of the effects of mental disorders, in general, include-

·    Distort reality
·    Disturb relationships
·    Makes one dysfunctional
·    Lowers down immunity
·    Social disturbances
·    Low self-esteem
·    Poor-self concept
·    Is also deviant
·    Effect on the physiology of the body, such as brain

The severity of these varies from the disorder being experienced by a person. But all disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders- unipolar and bipolar, schizophrenia, drug abuse impacts the life of a person. Often these disorders are life impairing and cause an excruciating amount of stress and problems.

Mental Health and Awareness

The intensity and vastness of mental health are so high, but due to the stigma attached, most cases go unreported. The result of the same is-

·    Getting no treatment.
·    Self-diagnoses, which is even more fatal.
·    People not getting appropriate treatment.
·    Getting alternative treatments which are not effective.
·    Degradation of human life.
·    Succumbing to the disorder despite relevant therapeutic approaches.
·    Lifelong trauma.

There is a high need to generate mental health awareness. This is to not just end the stigma but to take a step towards a progressive society. The normalcy of mental disorders is still far off.

Shun Away the Stigma

Societies all over the globe should fight towards the fight against the threatening and life impairing disorders. The following can be done to shun away the stigma from mental problems-

·    Accepting the fact that mental disorders are real problems just like physical problems. There is biology, psychological evidence to generate the same.
·    Creating as much mental health awareness possible. The initiative to do the same should be propagated by the governments of society. Creating laws regarding mental health would help normalize the stigma.
·    The awareness created by mental health organizations is imperative. Not just these, but awareness propagated by others such as NGOs, mental health clubs, forums are a great way to enter the households of people all over the globe. These often include generating content such as web, organizing workshops, debating and formulating strategic ways to deal with the stigma.
·    Creating awareness at a personal level. These include - talking openly about mental health issues, raising the right questions and helping people who have been taught wrong their entire life. In schools, various Mental Health Activities For Students are organized.
·    Encouraging people to seek mental health treatment from a licensed practitioner. The importance of not self-diagnosing and generating a prognosis should be done to avoid mistreatment.

Today, 10th October is celebrated as Mental Health Day. It is celebrated in various schools in the form of Mental Health Activities in Schools. This is a visible reflection of the efforts being made. The fight against the mental health stigma is never-ending, but let's begin with a step.