The countdown to summer is officially going on, but many of us feel that the pressure of crunching deadlines, AP exams, finals, and overall stress takes a toll on us. May can be an overwhelming time for students, which is exactly why it is also Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, “more than 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience mental illness each year, [and] 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide is [also] the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24.” Mental health can affect anybody, meaning it is so important to take care of yourself and check in on those around you.
Stigma heavily surrounds mental health; it comes in three different forms. Public stigma comes from discriminatory beliefs or attitudes that others hold. An example of public stigma may be saying, “People with mental illness are dangerous.” Self-stigma is internalized. This happens when a person accepts public prejudices, leading to a “why try” mentality and lower self-esteem. Institutional stigma is systematic. This may happen if there is lower funding for research in mental health or if insurance policies limit access to care.
Stigma matters. It is the primary reason why people do not reach out for help. With mental health already being a tough topic to open up about, stereotypes can cause fear of judgment in those who are dealing with personal health matters. This may cause people to worry about losing friends or their jobs, leading to a feeling of isolation. This can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions, further adding to the difficulty in everyday life.
“I wish people would understand more that students’ health is the same as a worker’s, and our exhaustion is equal to anyone,” an anonymous student, sophomore, said. “People don’t seem to understand that being just fine simply doesn’t cut it in school anymore. Just fine can be the difference between a failing grade and redoing the year, or laughing something off, and it’s stressful because of that.”
Social contact effectively reduces stigma and aids in the recovery stage of mental health. Encouraging people to share their journeys of life lets the stereotypical labels disappear and replace them with a human face that we see ourselves in. We can all connect through our battles. This can remind us that our vulnerability is the greatest bridge to one another. This proves that no one truly has to navigate through complex times alone.
May is all about spreading awareness about mental health and connecting us as people to better support each other in times of need. Check in on your family and friends, ask, “Are you okay?” And remind them of how much you appreciate their efforts and presence. If you or a loved one is dealing with mental health, call 988 or text for support.
More resources can be located below:
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255
- Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administrators (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP
- Emergency Services: Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room
- The Trevor Project (For LGBTQ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678
Resources to learn more:
