Mental Health Awareness – Raising Awareness for Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness – Raising Awareness for Mental Health

Mental health is often undervalued in the pursuit of overall wellness. Unfortunately, untreated mental health conditions have been linked to an increased risk of physical illnesses like heart disease and stroke.

Asking for help with mental health is never a shame, so it’s essential to openly discuss it. Not only are you showing someone close to you that you care about their wellbeing, but also yourself that there is support available if needed.

It can be challenging to recognize when you or a loved one are suffering from mental illness, and even when diagnosed it can take some time to find the right professional and type of therapy that works for you. That is why it’s so important to discuss your mental health with trusted medical professionals and trusted family members.

Stigma can be a significant aspect of mental health struggles and it’s often hard to overcome, particularly for those who don’t understand the condition or fear they won’t be accepted by others. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), there are three kinds of stigma: public stigma, self-stigma and institutional stigma.

The American Psychological Association (APA) believes stigma can be diminished by changing how we talk about mental health disorders, and by raising awareness among society at large we can foster a more accepting environment for those affected by them. When people understand how mental illness impacts them personally, they can better support those experiencing symptoms and give them the resources needed to overcome their disorder.