Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness about the significance of mental health and to support people who have suffered from mental illness. However, in many areas of the world, mental health and mental illness are still widely overlooked and neglected. This article discusses common societal misconceptions about mental illness, addresses stereotyped representations of those who have suffered, and provides practical advice that people can take to seek treatment and aid.
Ignorance… It’s not always bliss when it comes to your mental health
The old proverb “Ignorance is bliss” is frequently used to help and support those who are concerned about things they are yet to learn about. It may be true in those particular circumstances. Other people’s opinions of us, impending unpreventable catastrophes, and much of what occupies our anxious minds are examples of where ignorance truly is bliss. We indeed do spend far too much time worrying about trivial matters. But where ignorance is not bliss is when it comes to our mental health. It’s one of the classic areas of feigned ignorance.
To quote Karl Popper, “Ignorance is not a simple lack of knowledge but an active aversion to knowledge, the refusal to know, issuing from cowardice, pride, or laziness of mind.”
Remember that pride is the absolute opposite of, and often a collaborator with, shame, and that stigma is often what drives us to choose feigned ignorance. Too many of us ignore vital signs we’d rather not think about in order to bury them in our subconscious. That is the total opposite of being genuinely ignorant and not worrying. We let an issue fester by noticing it but not acting on it. Something that could have been handled quickly can turn into a crisis that could require weeks of therapy.
Patients with mental illnesses have long been stigmatized in any community, and this stigma extends beyond simply “labeling” them as patients. The condition is viewed as terrifying, shameful, fictitious, feigned, and incurable, while patients are viewed as dangerous, unpredictable, untrustworthy, unstable, lazy, weak, worthless, and/or helpless in the community.
Sensationalized stories in the media contribute to the mental health myth that people with mental health issues are dangerous, but contrary to that belief, research shows most people with mental health disorders are not violent. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are 10 times more likely to be victimized than the rest of the population, rather than perpetrators.
Mental health and mental illness are still largely ignored and neglected in most parts of the world, resulting in an increasing burden of mental disorders in the community and widening of the “treatment gap.”
But mental health problems do not get better on their own. The longer an illness lasts, the more difficult it is to treat and recover from it. Untreated anxiety can lead to panic attacks, and failing to address trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, but early treatment usually yields better results. While it can be difficult to admit that you need help or to accept a professional diagnosis, speaking up can be the most effective way to begin your recovery. Keeping mental health issues hidden can lead to difficulties in living a healthy life.
It has been reported that one in every seven Indians suffers from mental health problems, but the reported rates are lower due to the associated stigma in Indian society, followed by denial and hesitation to come forward. India’s proportionate contribution to global suicide deaths is substantial and growing. India accounts for 36.6% of global female suicides and 24.3% of male suicides. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 4.5% of the Indian population suffer from depression, and 3.5% suffer from anxiety disorder.
Mental illness carries a distinct stigma that has preserved its reputation as being inferior to physical illnesses. While the situation is improving as more celebrities and notable figures speak out about their difficulties, most people remain embarrassed or ashamed of their own difficulties. Unfortunately, this only serves to perpetuate the cycle.
While discussing personal issues such as mental illness is always a personal choice; failing to admit your symptoms, sharing your condition with others, or avoiding seeking help can actually worsen stigmatization. The more people who choose to keep mental health issues hidden, the less likely it is that others will speak up and help to reduce negative associations. By owning your own reality, you can defy the stigma while also doing what is best for your overall health.
Living with a mental illness is anything but easy. Fighting symptoms that actively work against a healthy way of life can be challenging and upsetting, and it’s nearly impossible to do it alone. Keeping mental health issues hidden can hinder your recovery by preventing you from receiving help and actively holding you back. But by admitting your feelings and experiences, you can take an important step towards finally receiving the care you require.
There is no shame in having a mental illness or in seeking treatment and getting help. Unfortunately, concealing your illness works against the benefits of enrolling in a treatment program. Nobody expects you to walk off the pain if you break your leg. Just as you would seek medical attention for a physical ailment, you should have the same expectation when seeking treatment for a mental health problem. You may believe that you must deal with your mental health issues on your own. In reality, there is a wealth of resources available to assist you in healing.
Juggling assignment due dates, presentations, and tests of all of our various papers for our final internal assessments, stress, fear, frustration, anxiety, and disappointment; everyone has dealt with these emotions over the last few weeks. But when these emotions and symptoms make it difficult or keep you from being able to function in daily life, or when you have thoughts of self-harming, it is time to seek help.
We will almost certainly all struggle with our mental health at some point in our lives. We all deserve help overcoming these challenges, and misconceptions about mental illness should not stand in our way. De-stigmatizing mental health means admitting that this is a common struggle. Seeking mental health care is both legal and normal. While self-care is important, we don’t have to go through it alone, and asking for help signifies strength.
World Mental Health Day was celebrated on the 10th of this month with the goal of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. May we all take responsibility for de-stigmatizing mental health issues, raising awareness, not assuming ignorance of our own struggles, and not turning a blind eye or deaf ear to those in our midst who are suffering from mental illnesses.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. Currently, the Degree of Thought Column is managed by the Department of Mass Communication, and the editorial team are Dr. Jenny Lalmuanpuii, Asst. Professor; K.C. Gabriela, Asst. Professor; and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications.
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