Breaking the Stigma: How to Talk About Your Mental Health

Mental health is something that we all have to contend with at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or struggling with the demands of work, our mental health is what makes us human and it’s what we all share in common.

Talking about mental health is the best way to break down the stigma and to normalize mental health in all it’s complicated naunces. 

With that being said, here are some ways in which you can productively talk about your mental health.
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Share your knowledge
Knowledge is power and when it comes to mental health, it’s good to read up on the many areas of mental health that aren’t often talked about enough. Familiarizing yourself with various mental health conditions can be helpful, as well as understanding symptoms and available treatments.

This is knowledge that can be helpful when it comes to understanding both your experiences with mental health and to hopefully provide a helping hand to others who might also be struggling.
Create a safe space for conversationWhen it comes to mental health, it’s all about creating a safe space for that conversation to happen. If you’re not welcoming the subject or being encouraging when it comes to talking to others about their mental health, it’s not going to enable that person or yourself, to speak out.

There are some who find it hard to talk about their mental health or to share their feelings, particuarly when they’ve been refused before. Try to create safe spaces whenever anyone you love or respect, needs to talk about their mental wellbeing.

Advocate for change
Advocating for change is something that’s always necessary and if more people advocated for change, access to mental health services would likely be more flushed with funding.

Anything that you can do to advocate for change is helpful. From speaking up in your local communities, to fundraising for mental health charities are just a few ways to help encourage that change for the long-term.

Seek professional guidance
Professional guidance is highly important when it comes to talking about mental health and it can be a helpful source of guidance for those who are struggling with their mental wellbeing currently.

From therapists that can talk about trauma to a troubled teens program, there’s a lot of help out there but it’s often reaching out that can be the hardest step. 

Don’t be afraid of being vulnerable
Being vulnerable takes a lot of bravery on the part of the person who is admitting that they need to help. It’s important that you try and find strength in what can be the hardest part, which is reaching out to those who can help you, whether it be friends, family members or professionals.

Vulnerability is something to find strength in so don’t be afraid to let those emotions and feelings out.

Breaking down the stigma is a great way to tackle the topic of mental health, so be sure to use these tips to tackle yours or someone you love and their mental wellbeing.


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