by Kenzie David
Recently, the topic of mental health has become more openly discussed in the mainstream media. Whether it’s on a TV show centered on mental health problems, like Thirteen Reasons Why, or it is discussed when people talk about gun control, it is hard to avoid the subject. But are we having the right conversations about mental health?
Mental health is a topic not everyone is comfortable discussing, particularly when it comes to talking about mental health problems or mental illnesses. The taboos and
stigmas behind having mental health problems can be hard for people to handle at any age. According to professionals, college students, being labelled or diagnosed prematurely with a mental illness can result in further health disadvantages and problems. No matter your stage in life, mental health is something all people should be aware of and be able to safely talk about at their own discretion.
According to Dr. Joel Sagawa, a licensed clinical psychologist and psychology professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, there are many important reasons to pay attention to one’s mental health. “One very practical reason for students to pay attention to
their mental health is because it likely affects their academic performance. In fact, according to the last American College Health Association Survey, the top three factors affecting academic performance for college students were all mental health related,” Sagawa says.
Dr. Tim Hall, another professor at Point Loma Nazarene University says, “I think it’s crucial not for just young people but everybody [to pay attention to mental health]. Trying to be as sound of mind is important for the way we perceive things and
ultimately for our behavior. I think it’s important to have a good self-examination
of how we are doing.” Hall is quick to point out the possible limitations of this type of self-examination, saying that being honest with yourself about your flaws is very challenging.
So what are some ways to maintain one’s own mental health? Exercise is often a common recommendation by many professionals when it comes to bettering a person’s overall health. In an article by Dr. Len Kravitz, “The 25 Most Significant Health Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise,” Kravitz states that “daily exercise will enhance one’s mental well-being.” Kravitz goes on to say that “published investigations conclude that individuals with improved levels of fitness are capable of managing stress more
effectively than those who are less fit. The data suggest an inverse relationship: higher physical fitness is associated with lower levels of stress.” Kravitz also discusses how
exercise can help with depression and one’s overall mood as well. While exercise and healthy eating can help mental health in general, mental health is not a one size fits all concept.
Sagawa explains that “there are many different strategies one can use to improve their
overall sense of mental health and combat feelings of distress. For instance, regular exercise, healthy eating and sleep can make a tremendous difference in terms of concentration, positive emotions, and overall well-being. Those strategies, however, can be limited in their effectiveness for certain individual and in these circumstances, professional counseling may be a helpful next step.”
Sagawa states “We all harbor hidden biases that can limit our ability to act in ways that would be beneficial to ourselves and others. At times, these biases can be so strong that they inhibit an individual’s ability to get help, and in these instances, we often wonder if stigma might be the culprit. There is some evidence suggesting that mental
health stigma is going down, but it nevertheless continues to exist within several pockets of our society. I think that we are still in need of making continued strides toward diminishing stigma, stereotypes and biases with regard to individuals dealing with mental illness.”
“I think that a good first step in moving toward this goal is 1) to realize that we all carry
this responsibility [to diminish stigma], 2) to increase our efforts to provide quality mental health education, and 3) to approach ourselves and others with a greater sense of humility, curiosity and compassion,” Sagawa says. “Some national surveys regarding college mental health have shown that expressed levels of distress, anxiety, and depression are up across the country. As such, there is a greater need for us as
college campuses to pay attention to the mental health of our student populations and to create more resources for students in need of help.”
It is important to realize that you are not alone and that there is help available for individuals struggling with mental health. Hall suggests that it is very important to be careful with labeling other people with these problems.
Learning correct facts and data about mental health is also very important. While some mainstream media resources encourage people to get the help they need, some forms of mental health information can be incorrect or counterproductive, resulting in people wanting to avoid getting help. It is imperative to do thorough research and to talk to certified professions.
Don’t be afraid to learn more about mental health. Talk to a doctor or connect with other certified professionals who can offer insight into steps you could take toward personal improvement and overall improved health.
In order for society to help those suffering with mental health problems, we must be willing to engage in the difficult conversation about mental health. This conversation must include people who recognize the stigma, but still seek truth in a humble and loving manner.
“Start being intentional about having this conversation,” Hall says. “Know that you are not alone and that help is available.”
Sagawa agrees, saying to anyone struggling with mental health, “Take care of yourself. You are worth it!”
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