Why are we often slow to take care of our mental health needs?

There could be a number of reasons:

Mental/emotional struggles are often seen as less valid than other medical issues.

They’re sometimes portrayed as a sign of weakness.

There are some that feel someone “chooses” to feel this way and should “shake out of it” or “try harder”.

There are some that feel that “if you pray enough you won’t feel bad anymore”.

Men often cover these issues up because they think “a real man doesn’t feel this way”.

There are many reasons why someone may deal with a mental health issue. Research shows that 1 in 5 people will deal with a major mental illness at some time in their lifetime. In fact, mental health issues can be experienced beginning in childhood throughout the lifespan. Beginning to accept mental health as an inseparable piece of overall wellness is a start to improvement.

Many people think that if they get help for mental or emotional problems, the only treatment options available are medication (which they fear may come with unwanted side effects) or therapy (which they have heard, can take a long time and cost a great deal). Whatever our issues, there are things we can do to improve the way we feel and begin to experience greater mental wellness.

Take away from today (Acceptance):

Mental health issues are a part of the human experience just like experiencing a headache or cold.

We have the power to do something to improve our mental wellness!

Check out our next column as we discuss common mental health issues and solutions.

Spencer Blalock is a Clinical Specialist with Senior Care – a service of Rush Health Systems.

 

For more information: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/ART-20046477

https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/04/29/9-things-not-to-say-to-someone-with-mental-illness/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma

http://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre/press_release/en/