Normalizing Mental Health

In our society, there is a stigma around mental illness and poor mental health. This stigma being that people with a mental illness are somehow not the same as people without a mental illness, and are at a disadvantage. However, this is not always the case.

Stigma involves stereotypes, prejudice, and discriminations towards people who are not like the “norm”, and then separating them as someone who is different. Mental illness can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Autism
• And many more

National Alliance on Mental Illness states, “Those living with mental health conditions don’t want it any more than a person would want a broken leg. But focused thought and effort can’t make depression go away, just as focusing on healing won’t fix your shattered bone.” Mental illness is not as visible as a broken bone, but it affects someone just as much. People who struggle with mental illness should be offered the same care and compassion as someone who has a physical injury or disability, because it is just the same.

Unfortunately, stigma exists; and it prevails. However, it does not have to be that way. We as a society should embrace differences, especially when it comes to mental illness.

If mental illness was normalized in a way that would prevent people from being ashamed of their differences, it would be a lot easier to live with and seek treatment for.