World Mental Health Day- We all deserve to feel safe and supported when talking about mental health

We all deserve to feel safe, heard and supported when talking about mental health, but too often mental health stigma leaves people feeling isolated, ashamed and not knowing where to turn. At worst, it may prevent people from seeking the right support, finding employment, or having open and honest conversations around their mental health.

I recall in my teens and early 20’s, going through stresses and challenges. Yet at the time, not only was there very little support available, but it was also considered such a taboo to seek external help, let alone speak up. Reflecting back, all that was needed was a safe environment for my voice to be  heard. This provoked a huge life lesson for me. That much more work was required in this field.

Support via my mentor

I was extremely fortunate to have been in the company of a teacher and mentor, who guided and supported me during these challenging years of my life. In 1998, I was guided to study the subject of “psychology”. It later transpired, that this would become a huge passion of mine, in offering others support. It became transparent that the right level of care, made all the difference in the recovery process and I would highly encourage anyone to seek early intervention.

Fast forward to 2020, attitudes towards mental health have certainly improved, but the voices of many are still unrepresented, and understood. 

Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day (10th October), is an international day for global mental health education, where thousands of supporters worldwide, unite to raise awareness to bring attention to mental health issues and it’s major effects on peoples’ lives. It was first celebrated in 1992, at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health.

This year’s World Mental Health Day, comes at a time when our entire lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From healthcare and frontline workers providing care under difficult circumstances. To students, adapting and being taught from home, with little contact with teachers or friends. From those grieving, the loss of a loved one, sometimes without having the opportunity to bid farewell. To workers whose livelihoods have been threatened, by economic consequences of the pandemic. To those with physical or mental health conditions, experiencing even greater social isolation than before. In fact, given past experiences of emergencies, it is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support, will substantially increase in the coming months and years.

Everyone’s experience of mental health is different. Unlike physical health which is often visible, mental health is covert. None of us are fully aware of what is happening in the lives of others, hence a non-judgemental approach is required and compassion.

This is why on World Mental Health Day, it is important to encourage each other to seek the right support, and if comfortable to do so, to share our stories. To help change the way people think and act about mental health issues and encourage healthier conversations. 

Are you confident having conversations around mental health? If so, what steps will you be taking to support yourself and others this Mental Health Day?

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Author:

Bal Kamal

MNCS (Accred) MBACP BSc (Hons)