How Can You Help End Mental Health Stigma ?
Stigma refers to the extreme disapproval that many people harbor, particularly concerning mental health. Although the field of psychology and the concept of mental health were first introduced in 1916 with the establishment of a psychological laboratory in Calcutta, we still have a long way to go in fully normalizing these topics. One significant step toward progress has been the introduction of psychology as an elective course in higher education, specifically for students in the 11th and 12th grades in many schools. However, should this be the extent of our efforts?
How can individuals who are not from this field still contribute to normalizing it? One of the limitations holding us back is our understanding of the subject. So, let’s take this opportunity to learn together once again. Perhaps we can also make a positive impact on the community. I sincerely hope that these suggested methods help someone and inspire creativity in others to implement them effectively. Additionally, this information is intended for individuals without a psychology background who wish to make a difference in mental health.
Spreading awareness (but with a creative twist):
You’ve probably heard this advice countless times, but it’s considered highly effective. So, what’s the best way to approach this method? It is said that every human has an innate creative side. Here are some ways to express this creativity:
Use poetry, songs, paintings, acting, or writing to talk about mental health.
Join campaign groups or awareness organizations, especially those focused on street theater, to gain deeper insights into mental health and offer your support.
2. Sign up for either a paid / free course on psychology and basics of mental health:
This may seem like a significant commitment for many of us, but hear me out. By planning our days effectively, we can definitely carve out some time for basic learning. One advantage of this is that not only do we contribute to de-stigmatizing mental health, but we also become 1% smarter each day by exploring new topics. We can gain knowledge through various resources, such as books and short courses on platforms like YouTube or Coursera. It only takes a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes each day to develop a habit of learning.
3. Get help when you most require it:
Don’t we all say, “Be the change you want to see”? Let’s start putting that into practice. Many of us have at some point considered seeking therapy but have hesitated for various valid reasons. If you are ready to join me on this journey, why not begin with yourself? Schedule a mental health check-up every now and then and look for reliable and affordable therapists if needed. By initiating this change from within, you will gain two significant benefits: first, you will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and second, you will take an important step for your own well-being by seeking therapy when you know you need it.
4. Surround yourself with likeminded people:
While it may be easier said than done, consider that many of us participate in various clubs or groups for different activities. Joining clubs or attending mental health workshops can provide valuable insights into topics like therapy and mindfulness, or any other areas of interest you may have. This not only helps you learn more about these subjects but also offers a great opportunity to socialize with new people who share similar interests. Additionally, engaging in these activities can help expand your horizons and build your network of contacts.
5. Create products with purpose:
This message may resonate with a specific group of people, but it could also serve as a sign for others to consider starting that small business they've been thinking about for a while. For all the small and large business owners out there, regardless of your product or niche, there’s an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause by incorporating mental health-related ideas into your offerings. This could be as simple as adding inspiring quotes to your products or creating small items like daily affirmation cards or cute notes.
I hope this blog post has been helpful for, if not all, most of you. The methods mentioned above are realistic and achievable. Let's be honest—there are countless other ways to de-stigmatize mental health, but for our loyal Zensible readers, we always strive to choose the most practical options. We encourage you to be part of this important cause and help make the world a better place to live. Until next time, take care of your wonderful selves! See you all in the next blog post.
