Mental health treatment has vastly improved over the years. However, many people with mental health disorders actually do not seek treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), tens of millions of people are affected every year by mental health disorders but only half actually receive treatment. Why? Because mental health stigma remains. Stigmatization further hurts an individual already struggling and may cause them to pull away, from their job, friends, and family which could be a few of the only things really keeping them going.
“It is all in your head” or “You are making it up for attention” are toxic terms that are said a lot. It has been said to me plenty of times. Other terms or phrases that are simply not acceptable include: “You’re so bipolar,” “He is so weird, he must be psycho,” “successful or failed suicide.” These terms may not always be used maliciously, but that does not make them okay. I have personally heard all of these used, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
It is important that when talking to or about someone living with a mental illness, they are still treated and discussed as a person. An individual is not their disease and their disease does not define them. The same way we are taught to view physical illnesses as serious and be respectful, we should do the same with mental illnesses.
