Well, this is a natural response by many people when it comes to a lot of things that are typically stigmatized. This also holds true with things such as mental health disturbances. 

A disturbance in one’s mental health is bound to happen to each and every one of us. Things that can affect our mental health can happen without our control, such as a move, death of a loved one, leaving a job, going to a new school, major accidents or injuries, natural disaster, or a global pandemic. Depression and anxiety are the two top mental health disturbances faced by people today and the number of those needing and seeking services are growing.

Many people try to hide their symptoms or choose to not talk about their challenges and in turn, suffer through their pain alone and without aid or assistance. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.

But why with something so common and something that is part of the human condition, do people tend to attempt to cover up their issues? One issue is stigma. People all over are afraid of being discounted, disregarded, shunned, or not treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Some people seek out therapy services from a social worker, psychologist, counselor, or marriage and family therapist. In more severe cases, some people may seek out medication management from their primary care physician or a psychiatrist.  Often forgotten, basic needs have to be met also in order to maintain good mental functioning.

Eating healthy and nutritious meals is just one way to give your mental health a good foundation. Reviewing and maintaining good sleeping habits and patterns is something else that can be done to strengthen the foundation of one’s mental health. Taking one’s medication as prescribed and developing a relationship with your providers is key. Making and strengthening relationships with friends, family, and co-workers is yet another outlet and avenue in which one could gather support and guidance.

Many people choose to engage in hobbies such as sports, recreations, creative outlets that involve music, art, or reading. For those who have a religious or spiritual inclination, find guidance, relief, and hope from submitting and practicing it.

Strained mental health or full mental health disorders can happen at any moment to anyone for an array of reasons. Early detection in symptoms and early intervention have always proved to garner the best outcomes. If anyone is having challenges with their mental health, a good first step may be to address their concerns with their primary care physician or an evaluation with a mental health professional.

We have to normalize mental health concerns in a way that people are not ashamed to seek services. We also have to do a better job of educating our communities on how to respond to those who have mental health disorders. Historically, people with mental health challenges have been jailed and taken out of their homes and communities versus given the essential services that they truly need.

Not all, but some mental health challenges can be minimized or prevented with sufficient external resources and internal coping skills. One’s access to support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions, after a major event, could drastically reduce the likelihood of a severe mental health decline or diagnosis.

Dr. Melvin C. McDowell Jr. is an assistant professor of social work in the masters program at Saginaw Valley State University. He is the owner and clinical director at McDowell Healing Arts Center, serving Saginaw and Genesee counties.

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