In modern society, there is a living contradiction regarding the reclusive territory of mental health. One side professes a quiet acceptance that the inner-turmoil of individuals is unique and of great importance, whilst the other side breathes a sigh of malcontent, misinformation and misjudgement on the mentally unsound.
In today’s society, the positive side of the coin is the growing public awareness of mental health – the negative side of the coin, ironically, is the reaction.
Ranging from the self-reassurance of, “You’re not that bad, are you?” to the avaricious, “You’re insane,” the stigma of mental issues is an ongoing, living problem, with attempts to trivialise or disregard health issues that are significantly serious. With new breeds of social media taking the world by storm, individuals are able to take mental issues and turn them into tools of attention, which brings many to the false conclusion that those suffering genuine problems are simply social anarchists.
What many don’t realise is that the criticism of others can eventually lead to those truly suffering to criticise themselves. In such vulnerable states, the effects can be severe. Anything that you say to them will stay with them.
We all want an opportunity to open up to someone, to tell them that not everything is okay. With those suffering from bouts ranging from depression to bipolar syndrome, the proverbial coin matters to them, merely because it should not exist. If you know of someone that suffers from mental issues, don’t avoid them – keep an open mind. You might not be able to understand them, but the chances are, they are far more anxious than you are. Nothing is ever too slight when they are afraid of being judged for something that they are unable to help.
Everyone has something on their mind – to get rid of the stigma, its okay to let the silent ones tell you what is on theirs.
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