If you have ever experienced a mental disorder, whether that be depression, anxiety, addiction, or bipolar disorder, you might be aware of the stigma and perceptions behind it. Especially, if you are of a minority background, you may be exposed to more negative connotations towards mental health. In fact, people who are from racial or minority groups are more or less likely to receive mental health care (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2015). In an age of mental health awareness, stigmas towards mental disorders continue to prevail.

            Even the words that we use to refer to mental health can be used negatively. For instance, many people might use the words “mental illness” as a derogatory term, but they wouldn’t say someone is “physically ill”. In the context of physical health, one person might have to wear glasses, and one person might have poor knee strength, so there is a broad spectrum. The same goes for mental health as we do not group completely different disorders under “mental illness”.

            And, if you think the conversation of mental health does not apply to you, think again. A study from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed only 17% of adults are in optimal mental health. It is also likely that no one will continue to function at optimal mental health forever, due to the constant stress changes in an average lifetime.

            Just like physical health, there are mental skills that we can take towards a healthier lifestyle. For instance, in the case of diabetes prevention, people are reminded to eat right and exercise. This is a discussion topic that people are not afraid of discussing, though the extra measures do not guarantee diabetes prevention. The same can be done towards mental health awareness, without being offensive. Without the discussion of mental health skills, individuals might not even realize that they are suffering from a disorder. It isn’t certain that mental health discussions will prevent depression or anxiety, but they can help normalize stress changes and disorders that millions of people live with every day.

            You never know when someone can benefit from a conversation about mental health, so here are some steps you can take to fight stigmas:

• Start talking about options. If someone feels like they need help, but doesn’t think they can afford a psychologist, remind them of toll-free hotlines, and online screening tools.
• Practice skills that help keep your mental state in check. However way you deal with negative emotions, be able to share that with someone who might need it. Also, open yourself up to new practices that a friend or loved one might tell you about.
• Acknowledge that mental health is not at a constant state. There will be good times and bad times but opening yourself to these changes can help you become more aware of how you should deal with your mental state.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health in the workplace. Work is one of the most influential stressors in an adult’s life. It can impact productivity, insurance costs, or job satisfaction. So being open with your mental state can help your coworkers or employers recognize and take preventative measures towards stressors.

It should be our goal for everyone to talk about depression, trauma reactions, or anxiety, as we talk about arthritis or back pains today. There are several treatment options for mental illness, and loved ones should feel safe and accepted when reaching out for help.