Every year, there are a few days that have an increased emphasis on mental health. Many large corporations have these days to try and highlight why mental health education is important why it is important to learn from others about mental health support and that you are not alone. However, talking about mental health a couple of times a year is not enough. The conversation about the difference between mental health and mental illness is just as important, as the acknowledgment of a positive mental state of well-being that all have the right to achieve.
As much as we would like to say that there has been reduced stigma, the fact that many people still feel as though they are unable to open up about their mental health is because there are still a significant number of people who see someone in a negative mental state as ‘weak’ or ‘just in a mood’. Many still have the fear that their mental health will not be taken seriously. As much as we want everyone to be open about this, the fact remains that it is easier said than done and we should not be forcing those who are not feeling well to be the ones to speak up.
In many of our blogs in the past, we’ve talked about support systems and why they are important. Just like any goal or change you want to make in your life, a support system for your mental health is just as important. Whether it is family, friends, a counselor, and/or mentors, it is important to know that you have someone to who you can talk to. We also must be understanding that we need to be that person for someone else at times. The fact that you have noticed something in someone else and responded to it in a caring and compassionate may spark a start of a support system that maybe you didn’t think you needed.
Speaking about mental health more often isn’t just to help those who may be struggling, it can also help those who don’t think they really need the support. These people are the ones that may or may not have a history of mental illness or prolonged negative mental health. These are the people that have learned effective coping mechanisms, that understand bad days happen, and have a plan to help them get back into their regular routine. You may know someone like this. That person didn’t get there on their own. Over time they had someone or a group of people that helped them find the process they have. More conversation about mental health can allow these people to speak up more openly about their process and the support they could have for the people around them is insurmountable.
All of this sounds great, but we haven’t highlighted why it is so important to talk about mental health more than a few days a year.
Over the last three years, there have been significant spikes in depression and anxiety among 18-to-30-year-olds. Research is also finding that many youths are developing a mental illness because of the gap that was created due to the pandemic to move into the next phases of their lives. Open conversations about how those around us have truly been affected by the pandemic and how some may still feel uneasy as things begin to open more and more to resemble the semblance of life before the pandemic. There is collective mental exhaustion with coping with being a part of history-making events and ensuring that people around us understand that they are not alone in the exhaustion is important.
It is also important to ensure people can deny conversations if they do not want to talk about things. Conversations like this should be free-flowing, without hesitation, and not forced. This is where many times why someone does not feel comfortable talking to someone, maybe it is the person encouraging the person or someone else who is present, people say that they are okay. A forced support system should not be how people are talking about mental health.
If York Students are looking to find professional support, Student Counselling, Health & Well-Being has many supports available and a list of after-hours supports if they are necessary.
If York Staff & Faculty as looking to find professional support, your group benefits may cover psychological services. SunLife Financial also has a list of rated psychologists through their Lumino Health portal to help you find a therapist if it is something you are interested in. York University also has an Employee & Family Assistance Program where you can find services to assist: https://www.workhealthlife.com/
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