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  • Writer's pictureLily Rajaee

Removing the Stigma behind Mental Health

Why are people shy to speak about mental health concerns? In general, individuals are much more comfortable to speak about a physical injury than they are starting a conversation about their impaired mental state. While there are many factors that contribute to this hesitation in speaking out about mental illness, a major factor is the prevalence of a long-established negative stigma related to mental health issues.

When asked about Mental Health Stigmas she has heard about, Caroline Sheikhzadeh, AMSA Community Advisor, shared some examples of common phrases. These mental health misconceptions are as following:

· “If you are smiling and look happy, you cannot be depressed”

· “Therapy is for those who are severely ill.”

· “Your parents don’t love you enough if you are depressed.”

· “Depression is not a serious illness.”

· “If they try hard enough, they can get over it.”

These misconceptions about the true nature of mental illnesses are not only nonsensical, but they are also dangerous because they encourage anyone who is suffering from a mental disorder to feel ‘weird’ and ‘different’ when in fact mental illnesses are so common in today’s world.

Stigma is defined as when someone views another in a negative way because that individual has a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that’s thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (Mayo Clinic). Stigmas about mental health are specifically dangerous because they discourage people from truly acknowledging the fact that they may need professional help.

Want to join AMSA Wellness’s efforts to break the stigma behind mental illness? You can do so by getting involved with this AMSA committee and helping our mission of educating students about the reality of why having a mental illness truly looks like.

In order to prevent the negative consequences of spreading stigmas about mental health, join us in spreading facts and truths about mental illness.

· The happiest person you know might be dealing with depression behind closed doors.

· Therapy is for everyone. Whether you are clinically diagnosed with a condition or simply need someone to talk to, there are numerous types of therapy out there for everyone.

· Having a happy upbringing does not mean you are immune to depression.

· Depression is serious. Depression is real, and so are treatment options.

· Mental Illness will not “go away” on its own. It requires attention and treatment, which is customized to that individual’s situation.

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