According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one’s state of well-being is when an individual realizes they possess abilities that allow them to cope with the normal day-to-day stress of life. However, numerous people — mainly those suffering from mental health issues — feel unwell because they don’t realize that they can get through life. People will not seek help and won’t speak up about their experience if the topic isn’t normalized. It’s difficult to feel accepted when nobody is willing to discuss mental health issues. To change this, we should start normalizing the topic of mental health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are ways you can help normalize conversations about mental health and aid those who are struggling to talk about their mental state and general well-being:
1. Ask your friends and family about their feelings. Encourage them to open up about their emotions, but do not push them to share more than they want to.
2. Never judge another person based on your perception of their thoughts and feelings. Be accepting and allow them to disclose their emotions without judgement.
3. Listen to what they have to say without interruption. Try not to make the conversation about you, instead emphasize that they are in a safe place and allow them to express their emotions at their own pace.
4. Use kind words! Ensure that your words are positive, supportive, so that those who are struggling with their mental health know that they are appreciated and welcome to further open up.
5. Always offer to help. If you find that the other person seems to be in an urgent situation, make sure to take action by speaking to a trusted adult, redirecting them to a hotline, or helping them seek the treatment/assistance that they require.
It is essential that we all continue to educate ourselves about mental health and various mental illnesses to improve our understanding of those struggling. By doing so, we can reduce the stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health.
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