I enrolled in the university writing course Writing for Social Media and the Web for two reasons. First, although I use some social media on an almost daily basis I’m not what I would describe as a proficient and confident user. In fact when it comes to some social media platforms like Twitter, I’m actually a bit timid. Second, because I am a degree student studying psychology, and social media has a strong and growing presence within this field, I thought I should take an opportunity to work at developing my social media skills. I believe that social media is, and will continue to be, a driving force in educating the public about the prevalence of mental disorders in the general population and to help promote greater awareness and empathy. Facebook and Twitter have proven to be invaluable social media tool in terms of communicating information surrounding mental issues. Most of you have likely heard of the #BellLet’sTalk campaign which kicked off in 2010 by six-time Olympian Clara Hughes.
http://mentalillness-doyouknow.com/bell-lets-talk-2018/
This Canada-wide campaign encourages everyone to talk in their own words about how they have been impacted by mental illness. This is all in an effort to not only raise money for mental health, but also to shed light on these issues which are very common and to “lift the cloak of secrecy” surrounding mental illness and reduce social stigma. Like many people, I think this initiative, along with ongoing research, is what will move the treatment of mental health forward. #BellLet’sTalk will be returning again this January 31st.
When I was growing up in the 1960s and 70s the stigma surrounding mental health was significant. People tended to believe mental illness was much rarer than it actually is, and viewed someone with mental issues as an oddity. Usually a person suffering a mental illness was simply referred to as “crazy,” and was often an object of scorn, resentment, and shame. Family members also often viewed one of their own suffering from mental illness as their own personal failure, and also as a family’s dirty secret. Great effort was often taken to try and explain, excuse, and even hide the situation or even the person themselves, from public view. If the individual was actually brave enough, or desperate enough, to seek help for their mental issues family members often felt embarrassed and ashamed because they believed that if a person was seeing a psychiatrist then obviously that meant only one thing - they were “crazy.” One can just imagine how isolated and ostracized the person would feel under such circumstances...maybe even unloved.
Even within my own extended family I can recall a few individuals who, judging by their behaviour and the behaviour of those around them, obviously suffered from a mental illness and would have benefitted from treatment. I also remember many of those close to them acted as enablers and also prevented them from seeking help within the limited amount of help there was available at that time. My mother’s family was very concerned with outward appearances. I sometimes think about how much those with a mental illness years ago must have suffered, and how much different their lives might have been had they been born a half-century later, and it makes me a bit sad. I know it would have made a world of difference to the quality of their lives had they had the reassurance that others understood their issues and supported their efforts to try and recover knowing that they were not alone and that so many others faced similar issues. This means having family and friends providing strong social support, letting those people know that seeking treatment is the right thing to do, and encouraging them to do so. Also providing reassurance that those closest to them are behind them and will provide ongoing support without judgement. Most importantly talking openly about the issues they’re experiencing and not treating their pain as if it’s a secret or something for everyone, including the individual, to be ashamed of.
According to CAMH one out of every two adults will be affected by a mental illness by the time they’re 40. This January 31st let’s all try to be more aware, and let’s talk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVCCRxJKsx8