During a television segment commemorating this month as Mental Health Awareness Month, interviewees urged viewers to “just talk about it,” not suffer in silence (with a host of psychologists and psychiatrists noting that communication can be a beginning). The segment stemmed from a collaboration created in 1949 to focus attention on mental health, and combat stereotypes about mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. Experts say that, up until now, talking has been vital.
For report, mental health experts mention that talking people can help others identify when the stress of normal lives is becoming more serious. They identify symptoms as continually feeling down, taking a change in sleep or eating habits, losing interest in being active and struggling at work or home. When some of these are persistent, connecting with a friend, family or help can stop the escalation they mention.
This section is also purposefully show that therapy is not just for people in crisis. The clinicians in this section advise viewers that counseling can be a place to develop coping skills, reflect on experiences, and seek support before problems become overwhelming. They also point out that telehealth has increased accessibility for busy people and those in rural areas.
There appears to be recognition that stigma still prevents many from seeking help. The video creators urge viewers to question the stereotype that reaching out for support is a sign of weakness, and to share their own stories when they are ready. This is said to ‘let others know they‘re not alone’.
In families, schools and communities, the section offers small, simple ideas to do during Mental Health Awareness Month: see how friends who have withdrawn are doing, put crisis lines numbers on the fridge or send it in the group in a text message, and tell children that it is OK to talk about their feelings. The message from mental health specialists is that talking won‘t save everyone, but it can be a helpful step to help identify problems and act on them.
Source: Mental health professionals encourage open conversation during Mental Health Awareness Month
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