Hi, I am Jason Burris and I'm learning to post here on Steemit. I want to talk about a subject that has affected me personally. The topic on mental health and its legendary issues are mostly unpleasant to talk about for people who are unaware of them, but I feel that it takes a lot of strength and bravery to do it. So let me explain a little about negative attitudes towards mental health problems and what it takes to change these attitudes into positive ones.
Unfortuately, today many people have limited or no understanding about mental health problems and may have a negative view of anyone who may have them. As a result, people with mental illness may be treated or labelled in bad way and end up excluded from most people in their community. This is sometimes known as "stigma", and can affect not just those who have mental health problems themselves but their own families and those who care for them. A mental health problem is difficult to see and "get your head around". People described the names others used to describe people with mental health problems, such as 'mad', 'crazy', 'cuckoo', or 'nuts'. One woman said jokes about mental health problems "are just not funny" at all because of the way people are treated.
In my opinion, like someone who is aware of mental illness, is that anyone who has it, simply has an illness. They are not "mad". Many do well and get better, should be treated like any other person with an illness with dignity and respect. Here are 8 things i found you can say to anyone in your family or others in your community who are dealing with mental health issues:
1.I love you
2.What can I do to help?
- This must be very hard for you
- I am there for you, I will always be there for you
- You are amazing, beautiful and strong and you can get through this
- Have you seen your doctor/therapist?
- You never have to apologize for your illness or for feeling this way
- I’m not scared of you
These statements show that you recognize that the person is sick. You also recognize that they’re in pain you don’t understand, and that you will be there for them. No matter who the person is, saying these things make a big difference in their lives for the better.