There are many stigmas of mental health in the world we live in. For a long time, talking about depression or anxiety could have made others think about you differently. Today, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. And many changes have occurred to encourage this. However, there is still a lot to do to help break down those stigmas of mental health to ensure those who need help get it. At Atlantic Recovery Center, we are always working to achieve this goal.
What Can You Do to Help Dispel the Stigmas Around Mental Health?
You may think that you don’t have anything to offer when it comes to changing the stigmas around mental health treatment. However, that’s not the case. There are many things you can do to achieve a better outcome and to help those around you get the care they need. Here are a few steps to take.
Be Self-Aware of What’s Happening to You
Have you received mental health treatment? If so, you may know that this taking care of your mental health through therapy can help you improve your quality of life. If you’ve received mental health therapy, tell others about your experience. Doing so can help to break the stigmas of mental health. Here are some things to consider:
- Write a post for social media that talks about the benefits of mental health treatment in your life
- Consider telling your story in a newspaper article
- Discuss how mental illness has limited you in a conversation with a friend
- Reach out to a mental health treatment center and ask to talk about your recovery
- Open up in front of a community group you’re a part of about what it was like to get help
The more you communicate with the world around you, the more you break down those stigmas and help others see that what they are feeling is real.
Be the Person That Reaches Out
Sometimes, you have to start small, with a single person who needs your help. To dispel the stigmas of mental health treatment, turn to a person you know that’s struggling with addiction, depression, or anxiety. Sit down with them to tell them about your own battles. Then, tell them how they can get help. Discuss the type of treatment that may have helped you, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- 12-step recovery
- Trauma therapy programs
- Family therapy programs
When you talk about your time in treatment with another person who is experiencing the same pain and struggle, you give them hope. That hope is all they need to make the decision to get help. You could change a life through a simple conversation.
Work to Tell People They Are Wrong
When you hear people saying things about mental health that are not accurate, let them know that’s the case. There may come a time when they need mental health treatment themselves. In the meantime, you don’t want them to have the wrong idea about mental health treatment. Your better decision here is to simply tell them about what depression is or how debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder is. Giving people the right information when they are mistaken, in a positive way, can help them to avoid making statements that are false going forward and help others as well.
Get Help by Calling Atlantic Recovery Center Today
The stigmas of mental health should not limit you from getting the support you need right away. Our team at Atlantic Recovery Center works closely with individuals who are struggling and need mental health treatment to gain stability and control. Reach out to us today at 1-866-824-5193 to find the help you need.