In Today time when life is so face paced , competition is tough , perfection is needed and social life is changing, our emotional and mental wellness has taken a back seat. The stigma still attached to the topic of mental health makes it difficult to talk about the issue.

Let us understand that mental health includes our social, emotional and psychological well being. It influences the way we think act and feel. Our everyday functioning is also effected by our mental state.

It is therefore very important to break the stigma and stereotypes regarding mental health and create awareness.

To help someone struggling with mental issue these stigma can make the struggle more difficult. As they prevent people seeking treatment and restricts resources available to create awareness and support system.

To help someone with mental health you need to remember:

Show acceptance and respect towards the person.

Learn more about mental  health and be aware.

Talk about it and reach out to provide support

Talking about mental health makes it easier for communities to create social system and coping mechanism. It also important to understand that talking about mental health is just not about mental illness but it also includes positive wellness and well-being.

To talk about mental health we need to understand that each mental health issue or illness is different, though there are few warning signs and red flags that can help person be aware and seek medical help.

These early signs include:

Change in eating and sleeping patterns

Feeling fatigued and tired all the time 

 abusing alcohol or drugs.

Feeling hopeless,helpless and apathetic.

Feeling sad, irritable for long period of time.

Experiencing extreme mood swing.

Feeling isolated and lonely.

Experiencing anxiety,stress, confusion,fear, worry forgetfulness and anger.

Experiencing unexplained physical pain.

Withdrawal from social environment, friends and family.

Inability to perform daily routine tasks.

There are many reasons why people hesitate and talk about mental health is this fear of being treated differently and being thought as wierd and fear the f being left out.

Apart from that it is also difficult because people believe others might think they are being silly, naive and irrational.

Fear of being ridiculed, judged and people making a big deal of the situation also stops people from talking.

Talking about mental health is important because the more we normalise it the stigma around it automatically breaks and helps people reachout for support.

Breaking the stigma also provides acceptance among caregivers and help people feel respected and understood.

The only way to break the stigma is to  start the conversation around mental health and be open about it.

Mental health matters …..