We should all care about getting rid of the stigma of mental illness, especially in this pandemic due to COVID-19. Here are some reasons why it is important:
1. A close friend or family member could have or develop mental illness;
2. If the stigma of mental illness was significantly diminished or gone, more people would get help for it;
3. If a friend or family member appeared to be experiencing mental illness, and you asked if they were O.K., the friend or family member could be honest and say that they aren’t feeling well and get some help;
4. Your elderly parent or grandparent appears to be sad and depressed, that loved one would be more willing to get help if there was no stigma;
5. Your closest work friend who you enjoy working with and is a crucial part of your team at work, appears to be sad, but that person refuses to get help due to the stigma or the cost as the insurer won’t pay for it;
6. Your favorite person to play golf, tennis, basketball, hike, dance, walk or do other sports with appears to be depressed and is not playing like they usually do or stopped playing the sport with you, but that person refuses to get help due to the stigma they feel related to going to counseling;
7. The most productive person in your neighborhood, your neighbor, stopped helping others and you hear him or her crying through the walls, but they are refusing getting help due to the stigma;
8. Caring about and getting help for friends, family, work friends and neighbors could enhance your life;
9. You could have feelings of sadness, stress and anxiety especially due to the circumstances during this pandemic; and
10. Where help is free by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or the Suicide Prevention Resources Center at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Samaritans 1-877-870-HOPE (4673), it could save someone’s life.
This article is not written to give any mental or legal help, but for each person to think how one could to help others or themselves. Please make the call to a professional in mental health to obtain help for mental illness or to a suicide prevention lifeline.
Copyright Debra L. Smith 2021. All Rights Reserved..