Categories: Health

Mental Illness is not Taboo

As a counseling psychologist, I have been working within the field for over 15 years. I have found that people do not seek services due to the taboo. Media has played a major role in the demonizing mental health.

My role as a professional and blogger is to take the myths about mental health and turn them into truth. For instance, due to stigma the delay of an individual receiving help can be delayed between 3 to 30 years.

This is particularly true for anxiety. A person suffering from a mood disorder will delay treatment 1 to 14 years and 6 to 8 years for substance use disorder (Mental Health First Aid, 2015). Individuals will continue to fear seeking treatment due to the misconceptions about mental health. I know first hand, that seeking therapy is not only beneficial, but also life saving. After leaving my husband in 2013, I became deeply depressed.

I sought treatment from my primary care doctor, exercised, and took medication. I have no shame because I know that life is not always easy. Once I followed my regime, I was able to get my life together and be there for my children.

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I will not pretend that my journey was easy, I sought therapy and was able to discuss my mental health with my therapist. YES! A therapist has a therapist!! Rule # 1 in graduate school. Life is too short to worry about the taboo nature of seeking treatment. I found so much peace in not hiding in my pain.

My self-doubt subsided and I was able to become more of me. I can happily say that the medication that I was once subscribed, I no longer take. This is key information I provide my clients. Medication does not have to be a first option. Nor does it have to last forever.

I am happy that I am not having to carry my burdens alone and wast away in my own thoughts. I encourage ALL who may suffer from any ailment to seeking treatment. You will think me later.




  • Aja

    View Comments

    • That's the problem for some people. They pre-judged the people who are suffering mental illness.It is a case to case basis.But then, those people who are suffering such illness can still be functional.In reality, they tried to let them be isolated and scared to mingle with them.Thus, it is also a contributory factor that the mental illness will worsen due to depression.We have to be open-minded with such situation.

    • Mind and body work in tandem. If the mind is fine it will help the body and vice versa. It is foolish to think mental illness is something that one should hide. That only the illiterate will believe in. It is time more like you will spread the message that mental illness is just like any other illness that needs treatment.

    • The mental is nothing the replica of the illness of soul. Keep in mind when human soul becomes ill psyche and food energy become upset due to which mental problems start in early or on old age in may start in any age.

      I think that mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

      Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

      Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
      Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
      Family history of mental health problems

      Millions of Americans live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, drug addiction, and personality disorders. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

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