Have you ever noticed how people who have Mental Health issues tend to keep it on the down-low? How it’s a hush hush kind of thing? Ever notice how people squirm or use a ton of clichés when addressing these topics? I would like to challenge the this phenomenon. I’d like to call it Silent Suffering.
I find it fascinating that people hate talking about Mental Health issues or even worse… Admitting they have them! Why is it that we don’t like to talk about these things? If someone finds out they have Cancer, they tell their families and friends and they seek treatment. But when someone discovers that they have a mental health disorder, they keep quiet and suffer silently, often times not even seeking treatment!
I came to the conclusion way back in grade school, that if nothing is being said, then nothing is being done. If you can’t stand up and say, “I have anxiety”, then your not going to find the same support or help that you might get if you had. Same goes for every day things. How do you stop bullying? You tell someone you are being bullied. You say something! Someone treating you badly in your personal life? You say something. I truly believe that we need to start standing up and saying something.
Why is it that people stay silent when it comes to issues like mental health? It is because of the six letter word.
Stigma.
How do we get rid of the stigma associated with Mental Health? By talking about it. By speaking up and refusing to silently suffer anymore. Call it what it is. Don’t hid behind it anymore. Take a stand and spread the word about Mental Health. It’s not a scary thing. It’s not weird. It’s part of life.
How are you going to take a stand against the stigma? Share in the comments below!
Defying Shadows 
Great post!! I have PTSD and have found it very healing to just go public and own up to my struggle. Of course, there have been naysayers who don’t have a good understanding on what the Bible says about mental health who have been discouraging, but more often then not, I’ve found help and support.
By blogging about it!
I love it! Be sure to share your blog post with us when you do!
https://twosidesofthecouch.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/wounded-healers/
I don’t suffer in silence because I too want to raise awareness and end stigma …but….what has happened to me is it has left me without friends and now I’m cripplingly lonely x
Hi Julie,
I am so sorry to hear that… I have lost a lot of friends in the past too due to my mental illness. It’s hard at times… I know its not the same, but there are groups and forums online that you might be able to connect with people in the same sort of position as you who are looking for friendship as well. If that’s not something you’re looking for, you could also try reaching out to community groups in your area. I hope that you’re able to find something that works for you, and make some good friends who will understand you, your diagnosis and support you through it all.
Love,
Nichole