It should not be surprising that widespread knowledge regarding mental health is lacking, but hopefully it is upsetting. Understanding of mental health is especially important in a college community where the population lies in the age range most susceptible to experiencing mental illness for the first time. Since students’ only association with mental illness is often the stigma, when they experience the real effects of a mental illness, they do not know how to react. Subsequently, they will not seek treatment until they reach rock bottom. This is profoundly detrimental to our generation, and it is imperative that mental health be maintained constantly rather than as a last-hope effort.
Most people only seek mental health treatment when they reach a breaking point, and so prior to and following that point, mental health is never made a priority. There is a huge mental health treatment gap — 59 percent of Americans didn’t receive mental health services in the past year. About one in five Americans, or 43.8 million, experience mental illness in a given year. So this means that around 25.8 million people in the United States are suffering each day, despite the availability of treatment that could greatly increase their life satisfaction.
You may be asking yourself why this is happening or perhaps doubting the extent of their pain, because if they were really suffering then they would be seeking treatment. The answer is that, yes, they are in a great deal of pain, but stigma has had such a powerful effect that it makes seeking treatment only a final option. It has done so by distorting the nature of mental illness, which has had a twofold effect: It has prevented those who suffer from mental illness from recognizing their experiences as such, because if mental illness means you are “crazy,” then what they are going through does not require treatment. In addition, stigma has made treatment a socially isolating and embarrassing experience for many because of misconceptions such as those who receive therapy or medication are “weak.” As a result, mental health is often ignored until it no longer can be.
In our fast-paced society, now more than ever, mental health needs to be adopted as a lifelong priority by everyone as something that must be maintained and not just fixed. When taking a break is considered lazy, how can we expect people to live happy and successful lives? Coping with stress needs to be something we are taught, something that is not only seen as acceptable but as necessary. Mindful meditation — a powerful tool — should be taught in school. Moreover, we should be taught in-depth about the various mental illnesses and about when to seek treatment, as well as that seeking treatment is courageous and something to be proud of.
In addition, it is important to be able to recognize the signs that you need help. While a moderate level of anxiety is healthy, it becomes destructive when it interferes with your daily life. For example, it can make concentrating on work extremely difficult or make social situations dreadful. In addition, being sad is completely normal, but when someone experiences depression, they become sad about everything and lose their energy, motivation and ability to feel joy. These are just two of several disorders, but generally, if you are severely struggling in life, instead of blaming yourself, consider the possibility that it may not be your fault, and perhaps you may benefit from treatment.
We have the power to change society’s relationship with mental health, and even small changes can ultimately be significant. Take the time to learn about mental illness; while it is impossible to understand the grueling pain that those with mental illnesses go through, it is important to try your best. In addition, stop using conditions like “depressed,” “OCD” and “bipolar” as adjectives, because doing so minimizes the disorders and further stigmatizes them. Moreover, when a friend tells you they have a mental health disorder, ask them more about it instead of telling them to be stronger or calling them “crazy.” Most importantly, be kind to yourself; if you are not taking care of yourself then you are only hindering your success.
Michael Harel is a senior majoring in political science.