Hello readers,
I'm writing from home today, not from the Wantirna and Knox area where I usually work. As you may know, October is Mental Health Month. To help bring attention to this important topic, I’m going to write about challenging the stigma and stereotypes that are often associated with mental health.
So, what is stigma? Stigma happens when someone judges you based on your mental health and unfairly labels you. For example, a person experiencing psychosis might be called "psychotic," or someone going through depression might be seen as "lazy." These kinds of labels can be hurtful and isolating. They can make you feel like no one understands what you're going through, like you're completely alone which you're not. These feelings can lead to self doubt and the belief that your mental illness will never get better. But that isn’t true.
When you're in this kind of situation, it’s important to reach out for help. That might mean talking to your doctor, a family member, or a friend. Staying connected to others can help you get out of your own head. Sometimes, just sharing what you're going through can lighten the load, and someone might offer support or ideas you hadn't considered before.
I’ve been in that place myself. I found support by reaching out to my doctor, my family, and my friends, and it made a real difference. So I can honestly say that staying connected and seeking help can really help.
Thanks for reading my blog.
challenging stigma