Emphasizing on the significance of looking beyond diagnosis and encouraging people to manage their mental health holistically.
Mental health encompasses far more than just a diagnosis. While terms like stress, depression, or PTSD can help you understand certain challenges, they only convey half of the picture. They can assist guide treatment, but mental health is a complex experience that affects all aspects of our lives—emotional, physical, social, and spiritual.
When we look beyond diagnoses and take a holistic perspective, we empower ourselves to perceive mental health as a journey rather than a fixed endpoint. Here’s why mental health is more than a label, and how to know when it’s time to prioritize your well-being.
Young people commonly encounter mental health issues, but many are hesitant to seek treatment. While correct psychiatric labels such as “depression” or “psychosis” can lead effective care and lessen stigma associated with weakness, they can also elicit thoughts about danger and unpredictability, particularly in the case of psychosis. Although times have changed and people are taking steps to understand the relevance of Mental Health, it is still found that people have poor tolerance and often display tremendous dependency on medications and look for immediate solution relief, which neglects the fundamental problem.
Let's look at the history of mental illness:
In ancient times, mental illness was commonly attributed to bad spirits, curses, or divine punishment. People were subjected to rituals, exorcisms, and even harmful techniques like as cutting holes in their skulls to “release” demons.
Throughout the Middle Ages, mental illness was misunderstood and feared. Many were accused of witchcraft or sin and subjected to terrible punishments such as torture or execution. The first asylums developed around this period, although they were more like jails, with individuals frequently shackled or mistreated.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, mental illness became recognized as a medical problem. However, treatments remained harsh, such as bloodletting or isolation. Later, some reformers advocated for more humane treatment, emphasizing kindness and empathy.
MENTAL HEALTH and STIGMA:
1 – Negative stereotypes:
Mental health disorders are generally associated with weakness, danger, or instability, resulting in harsh judgments.
2 – Fear of Judgement:
People may delay seeking help out of fear of being labeled or treated differently.
Mental health difficulties can lead to social exclusion from friends, family, and society.
3 – Workplace Judgement:
Employees with mental health issues may face discrimination in the workplace, including unjust treatment, rejection for promotions, and job loss.
4 – Cultural Misconceptions:
Open discussions about mental illness are prohibited in some cultures because they are seen as embarrassing or a sign of moral failure.
5 – Internalized Shame:
People may experience self-blame, guilt, or hiding symptoms as a result of feeling ashamed of their difficulties.
6 – Media Portrayals:
Negative stereotypes are reinforced by the sensationalization or misrepresentation of mental health concerns in movies and the news.
7 – Limited Support Systems:
People may experience self-blame, guilt, or hiding symptoms as a result of feeling ashamed of their difficulties.
8 – Treatment Barriers:
Stigma prevents people from getting counseling or medicine, which delays healing.
My problem can be solved with money. Is it?
Since financial stability can reduce stress associated with fundamental needs like housing, healthcare, and education, it’s typical to believe that money can fix problems. However, happiness and mental health cannot be ensured by money alone. Deeper emotional, psychological, or societal problems that money cannot immediately address are frequently the root cause of mental health problems.
How Life Can Be Affected by Mental Health
- Emotional Impact: Your everyday mood might be impacted by anxiety, despair, or stress, which can cause depressive, hopeless, or irritable sensations.
- Physical Health: Fatigue, headaches, or a compromised immune system are all signs of poor mental health, which raises the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
- Relationships: Isolation or conflict can result from untreated mental health issues that affect both personal and professional relationships.
- Productivity: Mental health issues can impair concentration, which can result in poor work output or even termination.
- Financial Strain: A vicious cycle exists when financial stress exacerbates mental health due to an inability to work or handle obligations.While financial assistance may offer short-term respite, long-term wellbeing depends on addressing mental health holistically via self-care, support networks, and therapy.
Well-known People Who Have Faced Mental Health Issues
- Princess Diana: Bulimia and depression were Princess Diana’s struggles.
Impact: By being transparent about her mental health concerns, Diana helped to dispel the stigma associated with them when she was a royal.
- Robin Williams: Substance abuse and depression are two of Robin Williams’ struggles.
Impact: The world was made aware of the gravity of mental health issues and the necessity of candid discussions after his untimely demise.
- Demi Lovato: Addiction, eating problems, and bipolar disorder are Demi Lovato’s struggles.
Impact: Demi has advocated for treatment and recovery for their mental health as a singer and actor.
- Winston Churchill: His battle with the Depression, which he frequently referred to as his “Black Dog”
Impact: Churchill led Britain during World War II in spite of his difficulties, demonstrating that a person’s mental health does not limit their capabilities.
- Lady Gaga battles depression and PTSD.
Impact: Gaga established the Born This Way Foundation to promote mental health and uses her platform to freely discuss mental health.
- John Elton: Battle- Addiction and bulimia.
Impact: Millions of people are inspired by Elton’s recovery story, and he utilizes his songs and platform to raise awareness of mental health issues.
- Rowling, J.K.: Suicidal thoughts and depression are the struggle.
Impact: The Harry Potter author has discussed her difficulties and credited her inventiveness with conquering them.
- Gomez Selena: Battle:-Bipolar disorder, sadness, and anxiety.
Impact: By supporting studies and openly discussing her experience, Selena actively promotes mental health awareness.
It’s been a while since I’ve been monitoring people and their go-to most commonly used terms. As a mental health practitioner, it makes me want to instill sensitivity in everyone and inform them that these aren’t the phrases they should use. We don’t tell if we have eczema from a regular skin rash or cancer from hair loss.
Common slang and phrases include:
“I’m so depressed I missed the sale.”
“She’s delulu if she thinks he likes her.”
“I’m so obsessed with this song.”
“That meeting gave me trauma.”
Trauma, depression, anxiety, delusion, and obsession are frequently used in typical discussions and on social media. Phrases like “I’m so OCD about this”, “I’m obsessed with that show”, or “I had a panic attack over her breakup drama” trivialize serious mental health disorders. Emerging slang, such as “delulu” (short for delusional), and jokes about being “traumatized” by little inconveniences, further dehumanize these concepts, diluting their genuine meaning.
Exaggeration can make it difficult for those who are struggling to seek help and feel validated.
Desensitization: Overuse devalues these phrases, lowering awareness of the actual situation.
Stigma Reinforcement: Using mental health as a punchline perpetuates stereotypes rather than promoting empathy.
Save these terms for when they are actually applicable—and promote meaningful conversations about mental health.
Moving forward, let’s be aware of our language usage. Words have meaning, and using mental health terminology respectfully can assist to foster an environment of understanding and support rather than one of trivialization.
Mental health is not a static state; it is a dynamic continuum influenced by life’s ups and downs. Even people without a formal diagnosis can face mental health issues. This means that prioritizing mental health benefits everyone, not just those who have a diagnosed condition.
How to Identify Mental Health Needs.
It is critical to recognize when mental health need attention, regardless of whether a diagnosis is involved.
Here are a few frequent signs:
Indicators of Emotional disturbances:
- Persistent anxious, worried, depressive, or angry sensations.
- lack of passion or a feeling of alienation, numbness , overwhelming feelings of
- guilt, inadequacy, or self-doubt.
Changes in Behavior:
- Disturbed sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or insomnia.
- removing yourself from previously enjoyed social situations or activities.
- difficulty concentrating, making a decision, or finishing everyday chores.
Symptoms in the body and overall physical health:
- Drowsiness unexplained aches, or recurrent diseases.
- Changes in appetite that cause discernible variations in weight.
- Problems brought on by stress, such as headaches, chest pain, or an accelerated heartbeat.
Impact on Interpersonal Relationships:
- Difficulty settling conflicts or maintaining healthy relationships.
- Avoiding social events, especially while with loved ones.
- Feeling overburdened by commitments at home or at work.
A study of Australian teenagers aged 12-25 by Annemarie Wright, Anthony F. Jorm, and Andrew J. Mackinnon found that accurate labels reduce stigma and enhance understanding.
Labels such as “schizophrenia/psychosis” were more likely to evoke fear of danger. Generic terms (such “mental health problem”) had no discernible impact on stigma perceptions.
Promoting good mental health language is beneficial, but it must be accompanied with education to dispel myths about unpredictability and danger, especially in serious diseases. Let’s keep mental health conversations cheerful and stigma-free!
TAKEAWAY!
- Therapy isn’t limited to times when you feel overwhelmed. Additionally, it’s a proactive instrument for personal growth, relationship enhancement, and self-discovery.
- Managing symptoms is only one aspect of mental health; another is comprehending the dynamic, complex nature of human well-being. A deeper, more compassionate understanding of mental health becomes possible when we transcend classifications. This viewpoint encourages us to value holistic care, accept our uniqueness, and see mental health as a continuous process.
- Remember that asking for help is an act of bravery rather than weakness. You may empower yourself to live a more balanced and satisfying life by recognizing the warning signals of mental health issues and treating them holistically.
