It's Time to Lift the Taboo Off Mental Health
1 September 2023 It's Time to Lift the Taboo Off Mental Health Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter Mental health is still considered t
1 September 2023 It's Time to Lift the Taboo Off Mental Health Chronically The Patient Empowerment Newsletter
Mental health is still considered the "black sheep" of medicine in many circles. But in an age of better understanding of the neural pathways and pathophysiology of illnesses, and the almost epidemic crisis of depression and burnout, it's time to change that.
It's time to allow access to mental health services the same as primary health care, just like seeing a GP. It's time to install mental health officers at medical facilities, in every wing or department, for the prevention, support, and benefit of both patients and healthcare professionals. It's time to shine a new light on illnesses of the brain. It's time to stop stigmatizing, stop being afraid, and recognize the disabilities in mental illness.
It's also time to redefine our healthcare as an holistic one that will prevent more and treat less. This is especially important for mental illness, many of which are preventable.
It's time to admit and own our struggles, to be vulnerable. I never met a chronically ill or acutely ill patient who had no emotional involvement. That means I also suffer from a mental illness. I am proud of it. I now own it. I advocate for it and promote it.
Let's break the stigma
The stigma around mental illness is one of the biggest barriers to getting help. People are afraid of being judged, of being labeled, of losing their jobs or relationships. But the truth is, mental illness is just as real as physical illness. It's not a sign of weakness or failure. It's a medical condition that needs treatment.
We need to break the stigma around mental illness by talking about it more openly. We need to share our stories and experiences, and we need to challenge the negative stereotypes. We need to let people know that it's okay to not be okay, and that there is help available.
Access to care
Another barrier to getting help for mental illness is the lack of access to care. In m
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