Mental Health Stigma and our help-seeking behaviours

Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being, yet it often carries a heavy burden of stigma. We often show empathy and compassion when people are physically sick, but mental health is rarely met with the same understanding and compassion. This stigma can make it difficult for people to seek help, share their experiences, or even talk openly about their struggles.

Stigma often comes from fear, misunderstanding, or misinformation about mental health conditions, and societal expectations of how we should cope or express our emotions. Many misperceptions exist, that make it hard for us to be vulnerable. For example crying is often seen as a weakness or as something done by "weak people", while a lack of crying is often seen as characteristic of a "strong person".

I would like to remind you that we are all human. Our experiences, our emotions, our pain, is all part of the human experience. All of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or lost at some point in our lives. Don't let stigma prevent you from accessing the support you need. Counselling sessions are confidential, and you will only be vulnerable at your pace, in a supportive, compassionate space.

Reach out if you feel too overwhelmed or stuck and nothing you are trying is helping.

#Mental Health Matters