One in five American adults and children will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Sadly, however, the topic of mental health is often misunderstood, and the people who battle this disease too often feel stigmatized.
Feeling stigmatized can have real and lasting consequences. It can worsen mental health conditions and can cause victims not to seek — or to discontinue — the care they need. In short, it can make a difficult situation even worse.
Beginning during Mental Health Awareness Week, the Abarca team is joining the fight to end stigmatization and to give hope to people suffering from any mental health condition.
Each of us can make a difference, and we can do it every day. Here’s how:
- Talk openly about mental health
- Educate yourself and others
- Be conscious of what you say and write
- Encourage equality between physical and mental illness
- Show compassion and empathy for those with mental illness
- Choose empowerment over shame
- Be honest about treatment
- Don’t harbor self-stigma
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please contact the NAMI helpline at 800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741741. Or, if you are located in Puerto Rico, please reach out to ASSMCA at 1-800-981-0023.
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This blog was written by Alexis Alvarado RN, Client Advisor at Abarca