Monoshij Mental Health Services

How to break Stigma related to Mental Health?

World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right. As WHO states, “Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health.”. Risks related to mental health can be observed at any stage in the life of an individual for which, WHO aims to protect the rights for mental health risks for all. In addition to safeguarding the mental health of everyone, it is important to attend to the needs of those with mental health disorders. It is essential to ensure the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good-quality care which can be done by using community-based mental health services.Yet people with mental health issues continue to be subjected to a variety of human rights violations on a global scale.

To build a more compassionate and understanding society, it is crucial to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health. Lack of knowledge and inaccurate information are frequent causes of stigma. Here are some strategies for overcoming and lessening the stigma associated with mental health:

Education and Awareness:

• Education and information about mental health should be provided to the public, as well as the media, the community, companies, and schools. Accurate information helps eliminate stereotypes and remove myths.
• To make mental health issues more relatable and lessen feelings of isolation, share personal experiences and tales.

Challenge Stereotypes:

• Identify and dispel media, entertainment, and advertising stereotypes that support unfavorable views of mental health.
• Highlight examples of people who successfully manage their mental health concerns.

Supportive Communities:

• Encourage an atmosphere of understanding and empathy in families, companies, schools, and communities.
• Establish safe areas where people can express their emotions and experiences without worrying about being judged.

Mental Health First Aid:

• People should receive mental health first aid training so they can spot indicators of distress and provide immediate assistance.
• Encourage them to seek out expert assistance when necessary.

Advocacy and Policy Change:

• Advocate for legislation and policies that provide access to high-quality care and safeguard the rights of people with mental health disorders.
• Encourage groups and projects that strive to enhance access to mental health care and minimize stigma.

Peer Support:

• Encourage the formation of networks and peer support groups so that people can meet others who are going through similar things.
• Peer support can lessen feelings of loneliness and promote a sense of inclusion.

Normalize Seeking Help:

• Promote open discussions about getting assistance for mental health issues.
• Normalize therapy and counseling as beneficial tools for wellbeing and personal development.

Self-Care and Mental Wellness:

• Emphasize the value of daily mental wellness routines and self-care techniques.
• Encourage stress management, mindfulness, and effective coping mechanisms.