About 50 million adult Americans are currently going through mental health issues—yet there isn't a lot of open conversation about it.
Even though we've come a long way from not acknowledging mental health to having some awareness, therapy is still highly stigmatized.
Developed countries are faring much better than developing ones, where the need for good-quality mental health services and social awareness is critical.
But why is mental health such a controversial topic if talking about stress and everyday anxieties is so common among us?
Harmful Stereotypes
There's a running joke often targeted towards people who pursue psychology or psychiatry that since they'd deal with mentally ill people, they'll develop issues themselves too.
This is just one of the many hurtful stereotypes perpetuated in society, which makes it harder for people to be able to help those in need. This in turn affects the availability of resources people need when they experience mental health problems.
Misguided Values
Sometimes our parents contribute to the bad mix. Many of us have heard the common phrase, "What is affecting your mental health? You have a roof over your head, food, water, clothes, and luxuries in life. What could be making you unhappy?"
This statement shows us the narrow view of satisfaction and life that many people have.
Toxic Norms
Culture and society play a big role in a person's life. They shape how we think, the environment we live in, and the morals we adhere to. Any deviation in these needs to be shamed and ostracized.
The various physical, mental, and emotional expectations that a society unloads on a person are unjust. It's not until someone cracks under pressure does everyone speak up.
How Can We Eliminate This?
Establishing more credible resources for mental health is one of the best ways to counter this problem. We need to promote acceptance of mental illness on an individual level. When people pay so much attention to their physical symptoms, they certainly can care about their mental well-being too.
Rejecting and spreading awareness about the misconceptions associated with seeking therapy and providers is another step to dispensing information to society.
If you need expert advice, reach out to a remote counseling service in Evanston, such as Sprout Family Clinics. We have licensed professionals well-equipped to help you navigate the problems you may have. We also offer services like online therapy, couples counseling services, online counseling for kids, as well as remote individual therapy sessions.
Get in touch with us to find out more.