- Group Insurance Commission
When someone asks you how you’re doing, how likely are you to respond with a simple, “Good, thanks. How are you?”
You might genuinely feel good, but if you were stressed, angry, sad, anxious or experiencing another difficult emotion, would you say so?
In most cases, whether inside or outside our inner circle, many of us wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing our true feelings. Likewise, many of us wouldn’t feel comfortable pressing a friend or coworker to share theirs for fear of overstepping or seeming nosy.
But avoiding conversations about difficult emotions and hard times — whether temporary or ongoing — can add to the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Overcoming stigma
- Negative attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes persist among individuals, community systems and policies, even in cultures with laws protecting mental health rights.
- At the same time, some people don’t realize they need help, while others mistakenly believe needing help is a sign of weakness.
- Others simply don’t have access to mental health resources. These are all reasons World Mental Health Day is observed each year on October 10.
- Global and national organizations and institutions, including the World Health Organization, come together to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, rally support and help put policies and systems in place for those in need while reducing the stigma.
Today’s election environment can lead to varying emotions and stress levels within relationships.
Learn more about navigating your own mental health during election season.
