We have all said something that we really didn't mean in the hear of the moment and most of will apologise and recognise we were wrong in what we said. Sadly, when it comes to mental health, many people still have a terrible attitude towards it.
Over the years I have been called all sorts and I know I have posted about this before but the stigma is still very much a massive problem for many and stops them from speaking out and getting the help and support they need,
I have a loved one who wants to speak out but won't as they feel people won't understand and will be negative towards them. Obviously I know the person and have explained that those who truly love and care for them will be there for them no matter what and to never ever be ashamed of their diagnosis as at the end of the day they are still the same person, they are not their diagnosis.
People are supportive of those with conditions you can see, that have physical presence, and health conditions that you can't see such as asthma, COPD, diabetes to name a few yet they don't have the same respect for people living with mental health conditions.
Here are just some of the words and phrases I have heard and I am sure you have too.
- Get over it
- put your stress down and move on
- what do you have to be anxious/depressed about?
- People wear it as a badge of honour
- It's an excuse to be lazy
- You are weird
- Freak
- nutter
- Looney
- boring
- You should be locked up
Yes they are only words but they still hurt. Why not use the following phrases instead?
- I am here for you
- You can talk to me
- How can I help
- You can do this
- You will get better
- I love you
- You have always been and always will be my friend.
- You are not alone
It is not hard to get information on mental health conditions, with access to the Internet and even talking to mental health charities, it will take an hour of your time to educate yourself but will mean a lifetime of happiness to someone.
A lovely post.
ReplyDeletePeople really do need to slow down and think before they speak
I agree. If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all xx
DeleteI think attitudes have got a lot better towards mental health now and I would like to think that I wouldn't respond like that
ReplyDeleteThey are getting better slowly but sadly the stigma still exists. I think you would be very kind and respectful in your response to someone in need xx
DeleteIt's amazing how much even the most innocently said things can hurt isn't it? I think people really should think before they say anything hurtful, but people should really think before they say anything at all, as it can come across so badly can't it?
ReplyDeleteIt really can come across wrong and I also think comments on Facebook can be taken out of context too as you don't know how it is meant. Xx
DeleteI am so sorry to hear your sister experienced horrible name calling. Really upsets and angers me. I hope she is ok. Xx
ReplyDeleteYour so right, there are so many better ways of showing your support and I will think carefully how I phrase things from now on x
ReplyDeleteI think we can all be guilty of saying something without thinking. I tend to be more mindful now as I've been on the receiving end of it xx
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