Mental Health Awareness Month

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.

Mental health is all about our well-being; psychologically, emotionally and socially. It can directly affect our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Mental health also has a strong impact on our own bodies. As the ancient Greeks said, “to have a healthy mind, means to have a healthy body”. Our mental and physical health go hand-in-hand. Deterioration of mental health can lead to deterioration of physical health, sometimes leading to various psychosomatic symptoms.

It is important to remember that mental disorders are complex and intricate, their symptoms can often overlap, they can present in various ways, and not every individual experiences mental health issues in the same way.

Mental Health Stigma

In simple words, mental health stigma is when individuals with mental health issues are seen in a negative way and are discriminated due to these issues. Discrimination can occur in different aspects of social life such as employment, housing and healthcare. Mental health stigma can stop individuals in need from seeking professional help and support out of fear of judgment or social isolation. In the end, mental health stigma can have a huge negative impact on one's self-esteem, leading to further social exclusion and re-enforcing a vicious cycle.

Reducing mental health stigmas requires active involvement in recognizing that anyone could be affected by mental health issues and advocating for the rights of those living with mental health disorders. Promoting education, raising awareness, challenging negative stereotypes and creating an inclusive environment for all are paramount toward successfully eliminating mental health stigmas.