Talking about mental health has gotten easier lately, which is awesome! But let's be real, there's still a lot of stigma floating around. That stigma? It stops people from getting help and keeps those old, harmful ideas about mental illness alive. It's time to tackle this thing head-on and tear down the walls that keep people from getting the support they need.
So, I recently joined this walking challenge to fundraise for a few reasons. First, I wanted to up my step game and strengthen a pesky knee injury. Second, with working from home more, I realised I needed to move more during the day. And lastly, I wanted to support an organisation that helps people dealing with mental illness and the loved ones who support them.
This challenge has been a rollercoaster for me. See, I've been on my own mental health journey since I was a kid. When I felt ready to speak out about it I realised that the support wasn't always there. It's funny, a few years back, I did a similar challenge for a different cause, and fundraising was a breeze. But now? Not so much. Mental health isn't an easy topic. It makes people uncomfortable, especially in the ethnic community I grew up in, where uncomfortable things are swept under the rug.
But you know what? Despite the silence from some people, there were others who came through big time. Friends from all over, even ones I hadn't spoken to in years (think went to high school with these people!) reached out to show their support. It was eye-opening and very insightful, to say the least.
I made it through the challenge, slowly but surely, despite my wobbly knees. And I raised a good chunk of change for the Black Dog Institute. But more than that, I realised there's still so much work to do in breaking down mental health stigma, especially in communities like mine.
So, let's break it down a bit.
Mental health stigma is all about the negative attitudes and stereotypes that get thrown at people dealing with mental health issues. It comes from fear, ignorance, and outdated ideas about what it means to be struggling mentally. And it's not just hurtful words, it can affect everything from healthcare to job opportunities.
The impact of stigma is huge. It can make people feel ashamed and alone, which only makes things worse. It stops them from seeking help and keeps them isolated from the support they need. Plus, it can lead to real discrimination, making it even harder to get the care and support they deserve.
So, how do we fight back? Education and advocacy are key. We need to have open, honest conversations about mental health and bust those myths wide open. Mental illness is just that, an illness. It needs treatment, just like anything else. And the more we educate ourselves and others, the more empathy and understanding we can spread.
We also need to speak up for change. We need to keep improving policies, provide more funding for mental health services, and strengthen anti-discrimination laws. By raising our voices and demanding action, we can make real progress in the fight against the stigma.
But it all comes down to empathy and compassion. We need to remember that mental health issues can affect anyone, and we need to support each other through it all. Instead of judgment, let's offer understanding and acceptance. Let's listen without jumping to conclusions and lend a helping hand whenever we can.
Ending mental health stigma won't happen overnight, but if we all pitch in, we can make a difference. So, let's keep the conversation going, keep fighting for change, and create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported on their mental health journey.
My fundraising efforts were to support the Black Dog Institute in Australia (https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au)
Other organisations in Australia include:
Beyond Blue (https://www.beyondblue.org.au),
Lifeline Australia (https://www.lifeline.org.au)
If you need assistance and not based in Australia, please search for local agencies, or feel free to reach out to me if you need help finding an organisation to assist you.
KPxxx
