Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with that comes the work of breaking down stigmas associated with mental health. Those with mental health issues can feel alone in their struggle, particularly because of the stigma associated with mental health.
The language we use when describing mental health matters. Often, people are concerned about being labeled as “crazy,” “lazy,” or “weak” because of their mental health issues; however, mental health issues are not moral failings. Rather, typically, mental health issues manifest due to biological and ecological factors. For example, for some individuals, depression runs in their family and so genetically, they are simply predisposed to depressive episodes; this does not mean they are weak or that it is their fault in any way. Similarly, like with posttraumatic stress disorder, it is a result of the environment and the traumatic experiences one is exposed to; it is not weakness or a moral failing of any kind.
SNL had a great skit with Bob Newhart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw) that portrays how some people inaccurately expect those with mental health to just “stop it!” or “get over it!” However, managing mental health issues is not quite so easy, and that is okay; it does not reflect on who you are as a person. Seeking help, albeit maybe not with a therapist like Newhart’s character, is a good thing. It is a skill and a strength to be able to reach out for assistance when we need it.
Help-seeking can be very hard to do, and that is to be expected when we are raised in a society where we are taught to be able to handle things ourselves. However, as humans, we are a social species. It is a key part of our survival, and learning to lean on others in times of need is not a weakness, the same way struggling in the first place is not a weakness.
For those who struggle with seeking help: be kind and compassionate to yourself in the way you would want your loved ones to be kind and compassionate towards themselves. Change is hard, and dealing with mental health issues can be a challenge; however, you are not less than because of any struggles you may have with this.
The following are hotline numbers you can call if you or a loved one are struggling (sources: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/crisis; https://spoonuniversity.com/healthier/7-hotlines-that-exist-in-case-you-need-them; https://elunanetwork.org/resources/crisis-hotlines-common-hotline-phone-numbers). Below is not a comprehensive list, but the links provided above have more resources for those seeking urgent assistance.
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Spanish): (888) 628-9454 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Hearing Impaired): (800) 799-4889 |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 | The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ Youth): 866-488-7386 | National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673 |
| Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453 | Eating Disorder Hotline: 800-931-2237 | Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hotline: (800) 821-4357 |
| Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255 | NAMI’s Mental Illness Hotline: 800-950-6264 | Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 |
Written by Justina Yohannan, PhD