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In our quest to dismantle the myths surrounding mental health, we’ve gathered insights from top professionals, including an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and a psychologist. From challenging mental health pessimism to starting mental health education early, discover the five transformative tips these experts offer to promote mental well-being and peace.
- Challenge Mental Health Pessimism
- Promote Openness and Education
- Normalize Mental Health Conversations
- Encourage Education and Personal Stories
- Start Mental Health Education Early
Challenge Mental Health Pessimism
Hossam Guirgis, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Mental health is an area that is gaining more attention in recent years. Overall, worldwide suffering does not seem to abate, and increased cultural awareness of what mental health and illness mean contributes to that. The relationship between our behaviors and the emotions and thoughts that govern them is becoming clearer.
From my experience as a psychiatrist, I have found that one of the most common myths surrounding mental illness is that a patient cannot have a fulfilled life. While seeking a fulfilling life transcends mental health issues, there is an inherent sense of pessimism in people with mental illness. I believe that this feeling has multifaceted reasons.
First, the ingrained cultural “pursuit of happiness” rather than resilience and contentment, and the lack of awareness about the multidisciplinary treatment options that are now available to people who are struggling. Also, the overwhelming shortage of mental health providers adds to that lack of awareness.
Second, I believe that with the incalculable material online that touches on mental health, sometimes in an uninformed and sometimes dangerous way, people get more confused and at times more conflicted about their options. I believe that mental health that leads to peace stems from a change in attitude towards our expectations from life in general, as well as pursuing more reliable scientific material with regard to the topic.
Promote Openness and Education
Marketa Kropacova, Holistic Therapist, Alpha Therapies
Mental health, in my view, is a crucial component of personal and communal peace. When I am mentally well, I find it easier to manage stress, understand others, and make decisions that foster harmony. Mental wellness allows us to control our emotions and reactions, creating an environment of tranquility not only within ourselves but also in our interactions with others.
To overcome the myths surrounding mental health, I believe education and openness are essential. I always strive to share accurate information and engage in open discussions about mental health.
My advice is to talk openly about mental health experiences. When I share my story or listen to others, it helps humanize the issue, breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and stigma. This openness leads to greater empathy and, ultimately, a more peaceful existence.
Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture
I believe it’s important to normalize and destigmatize conversations around mental health. My experience has shown that these myths often stem from ignorance and a lack of openness and understanding.
The key is to encourage these conversations in our everyday settings, whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or in social gatherings, as this helps to significantly reduce stigma. It’s about creating a more empathetic environment where people feel safe to share their experiences and seek help without judgment.
By breaking down these barriers, we actually empower individuals and communities to embrace mental health as an essential component of a peaceful society.
Encourage Education and Personal Stories
Zoe Fragou, Organizational Psychologist, Zoe Fragou
One of the most effective ways to overcome the myths surrounding mental health is through education and open dialogue. It’s important to emphasize that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Another key strategy that I personally use is sharing personal stories and experiences. This helps in humanizing mental health conditions and shows that anyone can be affected, regardless of their background or circumstances. It also encourages those who are struggling to seek support, knowing they are not alone.
My best advice is to approach mental health with compassion and understanding, both for ourselves and for others. By doing so, we not only combat myths but also create a more supportive and peaceful community.
Start Mental Health Education Early
Heythem Naji, Psychologist, heythemnaji.com
The healthier we make the individual, the healthier the world becomes. Supporting mental health and removing the stigma around that topic will make the world a better and safer place to be—all evil is ignorance, and by reducing this ignorance, evil will be diminished, too.
The best way to overcome the myths surrounding mental health is by educating the public on psychological topics.
And the best way to start is in schools. By starting there, students will become used to discussing those topics, which will become normalized.
Schools need to educate students on what mental health disorders, such as depression and PTSD, are and what interventions can be done.
Removing myths takes time. Building a peaceful peace takes even longer. But with dedication and patience, I believe we have the power to change the narrative. We just need to have the courage to do so.
Heythem Naji, Psychologist, heythemnaji.com
Last Updated on by Mehar Jolly
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