Mental Health Awareness—What Can You Do to Help? 

Mental health has integrated its way into mainstream media, raising eyebrows on the complexity behind disparate mental illnesses related by a massive wave of Internet users. Once considered a taboo, mental health awareness has paved its way into our lives and consequently, brought sensitivity and acceptance towards this subject both personally and socially.  

Nevertheless, many people still struggle in silence. As individuals, we possess the power to combat the stigma of mental illness by showing support to those around us in meaningful ways.      

1. Educate Yourself and Others 

Understanding mental illness is the first step towards creating awareness. This tactic of promoting empathy will lead to a general consensus of acceptance and understanding towards a complex subject from the general public. By educating ourselves, we create a safer space to acknowledge and discuss mental health issues openly, reducing fear and misconceptions.  

Read trusted articles and books or listen to podcasts on mental health topics. For example, the Psych2Go channel on Youtube produces simple explanations using cartoonish animation to educate a broad audience on the basics of various mental health conditions. Remember to spread the awareness on social media platforms too by sharing verified information, as social media is the internet.     

2. Be A Supportive Listener  

To validate one’s feelings, lending an ear is enough to do so. The act of empathising can be more impactful than offering solutions, as it gives the person in need the time and space to sit in their feelings and acknowledge the seriousness of their situation. In those moments of despair, they seek someone to understand their emotions and offer reassurance that they are not alone fighting their own battles.  

Practise active listening when conversing with others. This is done by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and mirroring their language. Refrain from interrupting or downplaying their experiences by comparing them to objectively worse situations of other people.  

3. Show Respect and Acceptance 

One of the driving factors many individuals suffer in silence is the societal stigma that subconsciously dictates how they are perceived and treated. Often, people with mental health challenges are reduced to their diagnosis, alienated, or treated differently. Studies have shown that stigma against mental illness is still widespread, largely due to media stereotypes and a lack of education.  

Treating them with the same kindness and respect as you would anyone else is a huge stepping stone towards dismantling stereotypes. Having people see you as an individual free from negative connotations of your illness can mean the world to someone who is struggling with their mental health. For instance, say “a person with depression” rather than “a depressed person.”    

4. Challenge Stigma Wherever You See It 

It is time to cultivate collectivism with the people around you by standing up for others when they cannot. Stigma thrives on ignorance and silence. By speaking up and challenging stereotypes, we are being the change society needs to be. This safe community space that the media advocates for should be an active movement rather than turning a blind eye to the struggles of others. 

Point out misconceptions or derogatory comments about mental health when we encounter them. Those who are struggling with mental health are more vulnerable to internalising these ignorant comments, worsening the situation as a whole. We should also highlight success stories of people managing their mental health, thanks to the soaring transparency of social media contents on mental health.       

According to the World Health Organisation, one in four people will experience mental issues at some point in their lives. In 2019, over 970 million people, or one in eight people, were living with a mental disorder. These silent battles may be present in our family, friends, and communities, often hidden behind their masked personas. By recognising that mental health is just as important as physical health, we can create a society that is more inclusive, compassionate, and better equipped to address the needs of those battling mental illness.  

 

Words to learn: 

Mainstream – refers to ideas, attitudes, or activities that are considered normal or widely accepted by the majority of people in society  

Disparate – essentially different or distinct in kind; not allowing for comparison or being fundamentally dissimilar  

Taboo – a social or cultural prohibition or restriction, often related to certain practices, behaviours, or topics that are considered inappropriate or unacceptable by society 

Sensitivity – the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to the feelings, emotions, or needs of others with empathy and care 

Stigma – a mark of shame, discredit, or social disapproval associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person 

Consensus – General agreement or a shared opinion among a group of people, often following discussion or deliberation  

Refrain – to stop oneself from doing something; to hold back or avoid a particular action or behaviour 

Widespread – something that is spread or distributed over a large area or among a large group of people, often used to describe something that is common or prevalent  

Dismantling – the process of taking apart or breaking down something systematically, often used in the context of structures, organisations, or systems  

Collectivism – a political or social philosophy that emphasises the importance of the collective group over the individual, often advocating for shared ownership and decision-making  

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.