Mental health and wellness are things we talk about a lot in our society, but do we actually value them? I would argue no because while talking about and promoting self-care is trendy right now, we still have an overwhelming stigma in our society against mental illness.
Many people are afraid to disclose they have a mental illness at work or to friends and family because of stigma. Policies and practices in America do not promote mental health and wellness, like the absence of paid maternity/paternity leave, high cost and insufficient insurance coverage, and unfair depictions of the mentally ill in the media.
What is mental illness?
1 in 5 adults in the United States suffer from mental illness each year, with less than half receiving treatment. Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent conditions, but there are many others, like schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse.
Reducing the Stigma
People with mental illness are often unfairly stereotyped or perceived negatively by society. This stigma results in discrimination and social injustice, reducing access to equitable income, education, and housing, resulting in poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
Reducing the stigma of mental illness through literacy programs and raising awareness are two of the main ways we can work together to reduce the stigma.
Literacy Programs
Literacy programs help to increase the public’s knowledge about mental illness, including symptoms people may experience and possible treatment options. Three literacy resources are listed below if you want to get involved!
- Mental Health Literacy has information and other resources for friends, health professionals, parents, and teachers help support those around them with mental illness.
- Get trained in Mental Health First Aid with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Free training classes for adults and youth teach participants how to apply an action plan in a variety of situations through role play and activities.
- youth.gov offers 3 free mental health literacy courses to help teachers and healthcare providers decrease stigma by better understanding their students and patients with mental illness.
Raising Awareness
Since 1990, the United States has observed Mental Illness Awareness Week the first week of October. Mental health is important all year long, but this week is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting people with mental health conditions.
Mental health workers speak out about their work, engage in events, and promote public education about mental illness. An important part of awareness is also individual people sharing their personal struggles with mental illness. Knowing each other’s stories reduces stigma by allowing the public to see real people outside the societal stereotypes.
Celebrities Speak Out
Everyday people are not the only ones who openly discuss their challenges with mental illness; numerous celebrities also share their diagnoses and recount the obstacles they’ve overcome on their journey to success. Did you know these celebrities have struggled with mental illness?
- Chrissy Teigen (model and TV host): postpartum depression
- Demi Lovato (performer): bipolar disorder
- Michael Phelps (Olympic gold medalist): ADHD
- Leonardo DiCaprio (Oscar-winning star): obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Lady Gaga (musician and actress): post-traumatic stress disorder
Recover and Thrive after Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
It’s not only celebrities who can thrive through mental illness; others can, too! In 2022, the journal Clinical Psychological Science published a research study about people with mental illness and their ability to live a high-functioning, good-quality life.
Many people in the study with chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse were able to meet the criteria of “thriving” based on data about relationships, positive emotions, quality of life, and their ability to fulfill life roles.
Treatments to Promote Mental Wellness
There are many things a person struggling with their mental health can do to improve their quality of life.
- Get a physical exam. A doctor can rule out physical problems that could be interfering with mental wellness, like thyroid dysfunction.
- See a mental health professional to talk about how feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Get a diagnosis. The mental health professional can help determine what illness could be causing symptoms and guide appropriate treatments.
- Take psychiatric medication (if ordered by the doctor). While medications will not cure mental illness, they can help manage symptoms and make other therapies more effective.
- Go to therapy. Learning more about the condition and how it affects thoughts and feelings gives valuable insight into managing stress and using coping strategies.
- Make lifestyle changes. In addition to getting professional help, many lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of mental illness.
- Don’t stop treatment. Talk to a doctor before changing medications or the treatment plan.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Using substances can be a roadblock to recovery.
- Stay active. Physical exercise and being outdoors help release feel-good chemicals in the body called endorphins.
- Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Giving the body nutrients and allowing time for restorative rest improves mood and overall functioning.
- Practice gratitude. Keeping a daily journal of things you are thankful for can help you see the world differently. It can be as simple as having a good meal or feeling support from loved ones.
- Connect with others. Reach out to loved ones for support or join a group focused on a hobby you enjoy.
Not Sure Where to Start? Help is here!
Crisis Assistance
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if there is a threat of immediate danger.
- Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255))
- Text the Crisis Text Line (741741)
- Veterans can use the Veterans Crisis Chat
Find a Care Provider
- Contact your Primary Care Provider
- Reach out to these federal resources
- Contact Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) via their national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Visit the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website to find affordable healthcare.
- Visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website for information on how to enroll in services and discover what benefits they offer.
National Organizations
These national organizations’ websites have information about finding healthcare providers.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Other Resources
Try contacting your local state’s health department, your insurance company (if you have health insurance), or a local university or College may have treatment services available at a reduced cost.
Mental Health Matters And So Do You
In my time as a nurse, I have seen the way mental illness affects not only the person, but also their families, coworkers, and the medical system as a whole. We need to invest in our patients and loved ones mental wellness just as much as their physical wellness. If you are suffering, you are not alone and there are many people that want to help. Mental health matters, and so do you. Reach out today!
