The Unspoken Side of Mental Health Awareness
Here in the UK, from the 10th to 16th of May, we come together to share experiences and knowledge for Mental Health Awareness Week. Social media becomes swamped with positive quotes and reminders to friends that our message boxes are open if they need to talk. There’s a rise in videos and graphics of sad people and text such as, ‘it’s okay to feel blue’ or ‘reach out for help.’
Mental Health Awareness week is a great effort. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to open up and speak out. But… Year after year, I find myself asking the same question about the campaigns, graphics, videos and promoted information…
“Depression... Anxiety...
Are those the only mental health conditions that are worth the publicity?”
I understand the need for anxiety and depression to be talked about the most, since they’re the two main mental health conditions affecting people around the world. Both conditions are still subjected to the same taboos and ‘learned-responses’ such as ‘pull your socks up and get on with it’ or ‘that’s life, get over it.’ Over the past 10 years, we’ve become a lot more understanding towards the conditions, because of the air time they’ve had and the amount of information and resources out there.
But What About The Rest?
I’m going to play the devil’s advocate here, so brace yourself for my horns coming out. Ready? Okay, they’re on.
I can’t be the only one out there thinking "What about personality disorders? What about fertility and pregnancy related mental health? What about psychosis?”
I’m all for standing up for the minorities, because yes, diagnoses of the above disorders are less common than anxiety and depression. Does that mean we shouldn’t educate ourselves about them or fight the stigma associated with them? NO!
I’ve already touched on the subject of school’s not including other mental health problems aside from depression, anxiety and eating disorders, when teaching children about their own mental wellbeing (if you want to recap, you can find that article here.) But it’s not just schools that are to blame, it’s the people developing the ideas for campaigns and those choosing the focus of the campaigns.
Other Mental Health Conditions are Also Common
Yes, there are lower numbers for those diagnosed with schizophrenia versus depression. Let’s look at some numbers, because I for one, didn’t know how common some mental health diagnoses were. According to the statistics available on the Mental Health Foundation’s Website and RCPsych:
In 2013, there were almost 4 million cases of mood disorder in the UK.
In 2002, it was averaged that 14.5 in 1000 people in the UK would experience schizophrenia or related disorders in their lifetime.
A study in 2006 estimated that 1 in 20 people in the UK have a personality disorder.
Up to 3 in 100 people will experience some sort form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in their lifetime.
What Harm is Caused by Limiting Airtime for Conditions?
Much like other topics that are shied away from, like Smear Tests and Bowel Screening Tests; if we don’t talk about them and share experiences and knowledge about them, people put the topic off and perhaps don’t go anywhere near them (girls, get your Smear Test done… older people, don’t avoid the poo tests!)
By shying away from, for example, Psychosis and Personality Disorders, we become ignorant to what it’s like for people to experience it. It then becomes more difficult for us to empathise with them.
It can also make it more difficult for people to understand their diagnosis or accept it. A big part of your recovery journey is accepting that you have an illness, but knowing that it doesn’t define you or over-ride who you are as a person. Let’s think of two scenarios:
Person A has just received a diagnosis of depression. They are open with their friends about it because of their experiences with depression and what they had learnt about it at college. Person A also shares their news with their partner, who understands because they experienced anxiety. Person A was told they’d wait 1 year for CBT but was started on anti-depressants. Person A is able to use a multitude of resources online to promote self-care and healthy coping mechanisms. Person A is also aware of paying for counselling for low mood because of adverts on the TV and social media.
Person B has just received a diagnosis of PTSD. She tries to open up to her friends but was told her diagnosis was silly, and only war veterans have PTSD; since that’s what the movies say. Person B tries to open up to their partner, only to be rejected. He tells her that nobody gets PTSD from giving birth, and that she was just being dramatic. Person B was told she’d have to wait 1 year for CBT and a psychiatry referral. She has nobody to talk to close to her, and because of the lack of media coverage, isn’t aware of any support services or groups which she can join.
Do you see the different position that Person B is in, compared to Person A? I’m not saying that everything’s as straight forward as that, but in regards to media coverage and campaigns; it’s that simple.
Very little people go searching for information on topics that have nothing to do with them. I have never had to deal with a Stroke, yet because of adverts on the TV and posters on bus stops, I know what to look out for.
One poster, one advert, one social media share; that can make the difference between someone knowing nothing, to starting the process of educating people little by little about conditions that aren’t well known.
Why Should You Care About Diversity in Raising Awareness?
Although the more uncommon illnesses may not affect you directly; chances are that someone in your life will experience one of the many mental health conditions, even if it’s briefly.
By coming together with others, we can create a more open, understanding and inclusive society/community. This will in turn lead to less social isolation and support the recovery of those with mental health conditions.
Even through simply sharing a resource or graphic posted by your local or regional support service for schizophrenia or PTSD, you’re helping others become aware of services are available. Many people still live in fear of telling others about their illness and then miss out on vital support. By sharing a simple image or page, you’re showing that you’re not ashamed or disgusted or scared to promote services or support.
Stigma exists as long as misconceptions, discrimination and negative attitudes exist. Small changes by everyone can contribute to a larger shift in how we respond to mental health discussions as a society.
What are your opinions on Mental Health Awareness events? Is there something you wish would be raised as part of a campaign? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy and stay positive. And remember, someone out there cares about you, so if you need help or feel like chatting, reach out.
Beth
