“To make that decision to receive help is not a sign of weakness. In today’s world, more than ever, it is a sign of strength,” is what Prince Harry tells us, after revealing his mental health struggles on the docuseries both he and Oprah Winfrey created. Did we know about his struggles? Probably not. He did his best to hide it, and only recently did he shed some light on the situation.
How common are mental disorders? Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are more common than we think, even amongst children. According to the UK National Health Service, 14% of primary school children in England have an identifiable mental health condition, and that “This figure rises to 17.6% of secondary school aged children, and 20% of 17 to 22-year olds.” We also have to assume that a significant number of cases remain undiagnosed. The situation will not be very different in other countries. This means that we are bound to meet someone at school or outside who has a mental disorder. But will we know? Probably not. Why? Because they most likely won’t tell us. If they don’t tell us, will we realize? Probably not. Why? Because they hide it.
Why do people hide their mental disorders or illnesses? The reality is that stigmatisation of persons suffering from mental illness is still very much a problem, even today. Studies on stigma (American Psychiatric Association) show that while the public may accept the medical or genetic nature of a mental health disorder and the need for treatment, many people still have a negative view of those with mental illness. Mainly driven by lack of awareness and the refusal to change beliefs, they still unconsciously or consciously carry the belief that people who have a mental disorder are “crazy” or “weird,” when they really aren’t.
As a result, we may not accept the idea that we have a mental disorder and choose to downplay or ignore the symptoms (self-stigma). If we ourselves do not accept this reality, we will most likely be more afraid to tell others, fearing how they will react (public stigma). In addition, some, even if unjustifiably, may be concerned that a mental illness might be frowned upon in school (institutional stigma). The consequence is that we remain alone to cope with our problem, instead of relying on those around us and mental health professionals for help.
What can you do to help yourself?
Seek help if you have mental health issues. Talking to someone about your mental problems isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of acceptance, and that is one of the most important steps one can take. If more and more people take this step, hopefully seeking help regarding a mental disorder will become as easy as seeking help for a broken leg. If you yourself are going through a mental health issue and you are thinking about telling people or talking to someone, then I, along with thousands of others, support and are proud of you. Not everyone will understand, but for the people who do understand and support you, be sure to keep them as close as you feel comfortable. As for the people who don’t understand, it isn’t your job to make others understand and hopefully they will realize their error soon enough.
Individuals might think they are alone, but there are people who might be going through a similar situation, and there are people who can help: ASB counselors are there to help, websites such as Young Minds and Samaritans In Spain, which offer a real lot of advice and support, are there for us, parents and friends are there to help too, and so many others.
What can you do to help others?
- Listen carefully when someone opens up to you. Without judging, interrupting, or making assumptions, listen to them. You can suggest a few things: You can ask them if they just want you to listen, to give advice, or to distract them (from said mental issue). That way, they can be more comfortable telling you when they know you are there for them.
- Reassure them. Let them know how grateful you are for them telling you, and acknowledge how difficult it must have been to open up. The Young Minds movement suggests that “You could say, ‘I’m really glad you told me this’, or ‘It might have felt difficult but it’s good that you spoke to me about it.’”
- Let them know their feelings are valid and that they are not alone, and encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult.
- Simple actions such as hugging them or sitting with them can go a really long way, and let them know that you are there for them and that you care. Make sure that the friend doesn’t think you are drifting away from them: “Simple gestures can remind them that you are still their friend, and you can still do the things you used to do together.”
If you are struggling with mental health, you are not alone, and help is around the corner. Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders, but a healthy way of thinking, emoting, interacting with each other, earning a living and enjoying life. Let us take better care of our own emotional wellbeing and that of those around us. So why not explore one of the websites and put one of the suggestions above into practice?
Sources
“Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.
https://files.digital.nhs.uk/CB/C41981/mhcyp_2020_rep.pdf
“Mentally Healthy Schools: Heads Together: Join the Conversation.” Heads Together, 11 May 2021, www.headstogether.org.uk/programmes/mentally-healthy-schools/.
YoungMindsUk. “Children and Young People’s Mental Health Charity.” YoungMinds, youngminds.org.uk/.
Stewart, Susan L. “People With Mental Illness Are Good At Hiding It.” Medium, Invisible Illness, 23 Jan. 2019, medium.com/invisible-illness/people-with-mental-illness-are-good-at-hiding-it-7d1a59d09b5a.
McKie, Anna, et al. “Mental Illness: I Keep Mine Hidden.” Times Higher Education (THE), 10 June 2015, www.timeshighereducation.com/comment/opinion/mental-illness-i-keep-mine-hidden/2019639.article.
“Samaritans in Spain.” Sams, www.samaritansinspain.com/.
Hurtado, Alexandra. “Prince Harry Reveals More Than Ever About His Mental Health in His New Doc-Here’s Everything He’s Ever Said About His Struggles.” Parade, 21 May 2021, parade.com/1212096/alexandra-hurtado/prince-harry-mental-health-anxiety-quotes/.
Image Credits: Corrigan, Patrick W. “The Impact of Mental Illness Stigma on Seeking and Participating in Mental Health Care.” Association for Psychological Science – APS, 1 Aug. 2014, www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/mental-illness-stigma.html.