\u201cTo make that decision to receive help is not a sign of weakness. In today\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How common are mental disorders?<\/strong> 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 \u201cThis figure rises to 17.6% of secondary school aged children, and 20% of 17 to 22-year olds.\u201d 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\u2019t tell us. If they don\u2019t tell us, will we realize? Probably not. Why? Because they hide it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why do people hide their mental disorders or illnesses?<\/strong> 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 \u201ccrazy\u201d or \u201cweird,\u201d when they really aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What can you do to help yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek help if you have mental health issues. Talking to someone about your mental problems isn\u2019t a sign of weakness, it\u2019s 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\u2019t understand, it isn\u2019t your job to make others understand and hopefully they will realize their error soon enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> and Samaritans In Spain<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What can you do to help others?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMental Health: Strengthening Our Response.\u201d World Health Organization<\/em>, World Health Organization, www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n