We all know that health is wealth, right? But did you know that this can also be applied to good mental health? Professionals on all fronts are openly discussing the term mental health because they want society to accept these problems just like any other health issue. Whether it’s common complications like anxiety or something more severe like suicidal trauma, everything is openly discussed and talked about. The efforts to normalize the clichés revolving around mental health impact much more than one person — we are talking about the entire community. This article talks about the importance of mental health awareness.
1) Eliminates Mental Health Taboos
Mental health issues have been considered a social taboo in society — especially if you go a few decades back. Anyone who wanted therapy was literally considered crazy.
But we don’t live in that society anymore now, do we? Since mental health is on the path to normalization, people have started treating it like any other disease or disorder that can happen to anyone.
A society that embraces mental health problems is more tolerant of diversity. People can easily get treatments in time, reducing the deterioration of their living standards.
2) Helps Strengthen Relations
Sometimes, some individuals seem like they are difficult to talk to or reason with. Anyone with a lack of awareness might get irritated at the behavior of that particular person. However, a society with mental health awareness can provide empathy towards individuals who exist in your family and workplace.
These people will not feel lonely or isolated once they start to interact with a positive social support system that acknowledges their mental health problems. Individuals should be involved health related exercises like awareness creation, seminars and clubs as this will enable them to speak out about their problems. Those with renowed counseling degrees can organize such programs for the wellness of everyone.
3) Builds Social Awareness
When people begin talking about mental health, they find themselves in a better position to notice mental health issues early on in life. For instance, have you recently felt moody or agitated recently? Or does your heart start to race every time something unexpected happens? Well, it could be time to speak to a counselor and find a solution to your problem.
An early intervention to the mental health concern makes it easier for the person to recover quicker. You won’t have to go from one doctor to another without being diagnosed. One therapist will be enough. This will result in lesser healthcare bills.
4) Links Physical and Mental State
Your body and mind are interlinked in a way that if one thing is hurt, the other one will ultimately feel the pain. For instance, stress and anxiety are deteriorate our immune system. You will also feel lazy and physically unavailable to complete even the most basic tasks.
Offering mental health in wellness programs helps people take care of themselves. People with a strong connection between physical and mental states react better in times of need.
5) Prevent Suicide Cases
Suicide is a sad issue but we can’t deny the reality of it. If you dig deeper, you will find mental health concerns to be the root cause behind a person attempting suicide. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 14.21 people committed suicide for every 100,000 individuals. It is an increasingly alarming rate that we must put a stop to.
Health professionals often conduct awareness programs to remind people of the worth of life. It is useful to families to be told of what a suicidal person looks like and how they should not let it happen to their kin.
Society that has access to such material can not only save their own life but also of the people who are drowning and need a helping hand.
6) Tell Children about Mental Health
We can either cry about the fact that our older generations were responsible for stigmatizing mental health or take measures for the coming generations. It has shifted responsibility to parents to teach their kids about mental health so that they can relate with other kids better.
Schools have also shown a green signal towards the idea of educating children about a healthy mind and body. They are open to address the curious nature of kids and hold the sessions accordingly.
Early exposure to mental health education refines a child’s personality. It assists teachers to be prepared with skills for handling children who are less normal or do not fit into society’s standards. Children aware of mental health problems are also not fond of inappropriate habits such as bullying and mockery.
They grow up to become healthy and thriving members of with a positive contribution to the society.
So, if you feel that creating awareness among children about mental health is too early, think again. Because the earlier they learn, the easier it is for them to accept others.
Mental Health Awareness: A Blessing in Disguise
Our society has opened up to the idea that a stable mental health is important for a person to thrive in a community. We can start by creating awareness in our community, so people become accepting of those who seem different. We can start working on this concern at young age where it is easier to inscribe an idea to the young ones.
Carrying the responsibility of breaking barriers about mental health, mental health professionals focus on getting rid of stigmatization. They are also more predisposed to constitute a society where there are people who can speak of their issues.
In conclusion, people are unique in one way or the other. Mental health awareness can be the secret to a successful society. By following the simple steps above, a healthy and positive society who helps its residents can be formed.
