Shattering the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health It's time to end the stigma about mental health. The social stigma surrounding mental health oftentimes makes it difficult for students to comfortably speak out and seek help. This can lead to more complications as students don't receive the help and support that they need. There are many misconceptions about mental health and these misconceptions only breed more incorrect assumptions. Knowledge and mindfulness are key aspects to shattering the stigma.
Misconceptions In The Media
In TV, books, and movies, we often see portrayals of mental health incorporated into the storyline. Characters grasp and deal with situations and problems that also appear in real life. These portrayals, often are what give many viewers their understanding and insight of how mental health affects a person and the people around them. However, unfortunately too often, media portrayals can be unrealistic and overly-dramatized to gauge a larger audience. These topics get used as a platform to enhance the storyline instead of being use to inform and educate people. Viewers and readers walk away with misconceptions and incorrect assumptions, which only exaggerates the mental health stigma. The entertainment industry truly has the potential to be a great platform to foster understanding and help to shatter the stigma around mental health, but too many times, this potential and platform are not utilized. After noticing it in myself how misinformed I was, I decided to start a blog that helps separate fact from fiction. With a team of other students who are passionate about mental health, we hope to help people understand that the depictions portrayed on the media are not always accurate and hope to give people a better understanding.
Some examples of mental health in the media:
Sharing Our Stories
Our stories are important. Everyone has a different story to tell. There is a lot of power in our voices and narratives. By sharing out, not only do we help our own resolve and healing, but we can help others as well. Our stories can serve inspiration and lessons for others. We have so much to learn and share with each other, but unfortunately, this progress often gets hindered by a fear of speaking out and being judged. On this platform, students can comfortably share and learn from each others stories. Students are encouraged to share what they have gone through and can do it anonymously. Each story at a time, we hope to shatter the stigma a bit more and create a more understanding world.