According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States lives with some type of mental illness. That means that in the average American household, it is not uncommon for at least one member to be struggling with their mental health.
That’s a large percentage of the population, and yet, many of us struggle to talk about the problems we or the people close to us are dealing with.
Part of the struggle may be due to diversity. Mental illness can come in a wide variety of forms, and each one can manifest in unique ways. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, it can feel like an isolating experience.
Here at Well Citizen, we believe that everyone deserves to experience a full, healthy life. A big part of that involves having strong relationships with others. If you are trying to find ways to communicate with others about your mental illness, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on, to find our top tips on how to normalize mental health in your community.
Talk About It
The first step is often the hardest one. You need to talk about it.
If you deal with a mental illness, you might worry that others will judge you before they get to know you. After all, there are lots of stereotypes presented in the media about what mental illness looks like. You might be afraid that that is what others will think of you. Or, worse, if you don’t present the way they think a mentally ill person should, they might not believe that what you are dealing with is real.
These are normal worries to have and are shared by many people. However, the only way to change preconceived notions is by educating others.
By sharing your story and experiences, you have the valuable opportunity to open the minds of others. By answering their questions, you will help to educate them on the type of support you need.
Being honest about your experiences also empowers others! You may be surprised, when you start being open about your own mental health, to find how many people around you deal with similar situations.
Find A Support Group
If you are feeling lonely in your mental health journey, it can be hugely beneficial to join a support group.
Support groups are available for all sorts of different mental illnesses. Many of them also offer subgroups, such as groups for men only, or for people of color. This can be a great way to develop connections with people who have similar experiences as you.
While support groups are definitely easier to find in urban areas, there are still options if your live in a less populated place. Search online to find a virtual support group and connect with people from all around the world.
Support groups help normalize experiences by showing you that many people are dealing with the same things you are.
Read All About It
Mental health has become a hugely popular topic in the past decade. We’ve definitely seen this reflected in the publishing industry, where books on mental illness have become much more prevalent.
Reading books about mental health can be a great way to learn. Non-fiction books can offer tips and tools for coping with mental illness, and having conversations about it with loved ones.
Fiction books can be just as powerful. Seeing mentally ill characters take center stage as the heroes of a story may help you develop a sense of pride about your own journey.
Set Honest Boundaries
Have you ever heard of Spoon Theory?
Inspired by a conversation between lupus patient Christine Miserando, and her friend, Spoon Theory relies on the idea that every human has a certain amount of energy to expend each day, or ‘spoons.’ For the average person, you might need to use up a ‘spoon’ when you go to work, or cook a meal, or workout.
When you are dealing with a chronic illness or mental health disorder, simple things like showering, or standing on the bus on your commute to work can require a huge amount of energy.
The fact of the matter is that those of us who deal with mental illness are often working at a deficit, compared to the neurotypical people around us. That’s why it is so important to have clear boundaries and communication.
If your friends are all going out, but you don’t have the mental energy to join them, explaining that to your friends can help everyone involved have a better understanding of the situation. In the future, perhaps you could all come up with an activity to do that is less draining for you.
By setting clear and honest boundaries, you can help the people around you understand your limitations, and the best way to support you.
Prioritize Self-Care
We’re huge advocates of self-care here, at Well Citizen. We believe that wellness is a whole body journey, and includes your physical and mental health.
If you are struggling with your mental health, building a routine that supports your physical and mental health is key. Things like a healthy diet, regular exercise routine, and plenty of rest can all contribute to your mental well being.
Taking the time to really care for yourself is a great way to show the world that there are positive ways of taking care of your mental health.
How do you communicate about Mental Health? Share with us in the comments below!
