This post isn’t really anything to do with dogs, walking or snow, but this is where I get my inspiration from a lot of the time. And today, on this walk, I had a nice ponder about something related to the community/sharing subjects I have been talking about recently.
Yesterday I heard what I think was a TV advertisement encouraging us all to talk about mental health issues. Good. I’ve had my share of encounters with mental health conditions and am all too aware of the stigma that exists, the personal shame that it perpetuates and the difficulty that many people have in talking about their mental health. I have also seen how easily a young person who is not really aware of the stigma, who views their condition as not much different from a physical ailment, can deal openly with mental health issues. It’s no big deal; young people can quickly adapt to a new idea and soon forget that there was ever anything surprising about it. Both the young person in question and their friends. It’s very encouraging.
Another serious taboo subject that I’ve had a lot to do with, and sometimes write about, is domestic abuse. The charity Refuge often encourages us to start a conversation about domestic abuse. Considering this is an experience that one in four women will have during their lifetime, domestic violence of all types (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and others) is a secret epidemic. And kills. Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner in the UK.
Of course we all know that mental health issues can threaten lives as well. Why are we being encouraged to talk about these two difficult subjects? As far as I can see, the bottom line is that, by chipping away at the stigma, we could save lives. How much more important could it get? What’s more, if, by bringing these subjects into conversation just a little, we help just one person to feel comfortable enough to share their pain or seek help, then that is a tremendous achievement.
So this is my challenge to you for the week ahead. Only, only if you are not currently dealing with these issues. This is for those of us lucky and grateful enough to be free of abuse or mental anguish. I challenge you to start a conversation about one of these issues, or even both. Start safe, with someone you feel comfortable talking to, but do it. Please. Let’s start talking and, little by little, breaking down the stigma that is helping suffering to continue. All it takes is a little courage, commitment and breath. If we have those things, we owe it to everyone around us, perhaps even to our past or future selves, to show up and start a conversation. If you can, please let me know how it goes.
I’m so glad to hear that young people are so matter of fact about these problems.
I was listening to a book read on Radio 4 today about a woman who was wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia in the 1940’s in New Zealand. She lost a decade in hospital, writing was her recovery and she was scared of going back her home country in case she was institutionalised again.
Rosemary X
I don’t know how common this is, but it is certainly my experience with a young person. How sad about that woman in New Zealand, really shocking.
Bravo! I couldn’t agree with you more. I teach Expert Patient courses to people with mental health issues, on self-management…. I couldn’t agree with you more!
Thank you. What you are doing sounds very valuable.
I think younger people can talk more easily about mental health issues as if they were physical issues, because they *are* physical issues, a lot if it is to do with chemical imbalances in the brain.
I think the stigma has reduced over the years which is illustrated by this advanced understanding of the younger generations.
As someone who has suffered depression, if I feel someone is in that area, I tend to work it into a conversation that I have had it, and that has opened some people up, which I’ve always felt is a good thing.
Cheers,
Gordon
It’s wonderful that you are willing to share as this may be just the thing someone needs when they are suffering. It’s usually better to talk than not talk, as long as it’s a safe person and environment. Let’s hope the stigma continues to reduce. Thanks for sharing, Gordon. H