May 14, 2024 – It is estimated that more than one in five adults in the United States has a mental illness, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Mental illness is common, but often stigmatized due to a lack of understanding of what mental health conditions are and what it’s like to live with a mental illness. Stigma can also stem from personal thoughts or religious beliefs about people with mental health conditions.
Everyone has a role to play in building mentally healthy communities – communities that are inclusive, reject discrimination, and support recovery. Frank A. Guinassi, senior vice president of behavioral health services at RWJBarnabas Health and president and CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, shares how everyone can break down the stigma around mental health. I am.
- Educate yourself and others about mental health. Knowing what mental health conditions look like, including warning signs and symptoms, can help reduce fear, misconceptions, and judgment among those around you. Sharing this information from trusted sources with family, friends, colleagues, and classmates can help reduce the stigma faced by people with mental health conditions.
- Watch your words. Using words with negative associations such as “crazy” can lead to judgment and condemnation by others. Use respectful language when talking about mental health. For example, use “people with mental illness” instead of “mentally ill.”
- Talk openly about mental health. Personal stories and testimonies can be powerful tools for developing empathy. Please share your own experience with mental illness. This allows people to feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of judgment. Talking openly about mental health also includes speaking out against stigma. If you hear people around you making stereotypical or inaccurate comments about mental illness, say something.
- Remember that humans are more than a diagnosis. The purpose of a mental health diagnosis is to provide a framework for understanding a person’s symptoms and guide the selection of appropriate treatment. Human beings are complex, and a person’s illness is only a small part of who they are. No matter what, we treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Please seek treatment and encourage others to do the same. Just like if you broke your leg or got sick, you would make an appointment to see a doctor to get better. Don’t let fear of being labeled mentally ill prevent you or your loved one from getting help. Treatment is essential to reduce and reduce symptoms that interfere with daily life. Access mental health services here.
By working together to promote understanding and acceptance, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone affected by mental health issues. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To connect with top behavioral health specialists at RWJBarnabas, visit rwjbh.org/behavioralhealth.
