Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be a priority. Unfortunately, many people with mental health conditions are not receiving the treatment they need because of stigma and prejudice. By raising awareness, we can help people get the help they need and change the way society views mental illness.
Mental health awareness is about knowing the signs and symptoms of mental illness, recognizing the impact on individuals and their families and being able to talk openly about it. It is also about understanding the underlying stigma and discrimination that can exist, as well as how to support friends or family members who may have a mental illness.
The best way to increase mental health awareness is through education. Teachers should include mental health narratives in curricula, as well as educating students about the impact of stigma and discrimination.
Stigma and prejudice are often caused by a lack of knowledge about mental illness, as well as fear or ignorance. People can be exposed to misperceptions or negative comments about mental illness in a variety of ways, including the media, friends and family members, and teachers. This can lead to public stigma, which is the perception that people with mental illnesses are dangerous or untrustworthy. Self-stigma is the negative attitudes, such as internalized shame, that a person with a mental illness has about themselves.
Individuals can help reduce stigma by talking openly about mental health, even on social media. They can educate themselves and others, such as by sharing stories and using accurate language. They can encourage equality between mental and physical illness by pointing out that there is no reason to treat someone with a mental health condition differently than a person with diabetes or heart disease. They can also volunteer with mental health organisations and participate in events that raise awareness.