Mental health is a serious thing. For years, however, it has been treated as less important than physical health by insurance companies and the public in general. This has lead to a taboo surrounding mental health services that prevents many people from seeking treatment and needlessly suffering alone. Here are a few small things that you can do to help end the stigma and hopefully encourage someone who is suffering to seek mental health treatment in St. Paul or their area.
Stop Saying “Crazy”
It may seem like everyone is coming up with things that you should not say any more, but in this case, there is a very real reason for it. You are taking someone who is already suffering mentally and adding to their suffering by making them feel like they are “crazy” because they have mental health issues. Someone with depression or PTSD is not crazy; he or she have a serious health condition.
Encourage Treatment
Because mental health has always been considered the second class to physical health many people feel that seeking therapy is a waste of time or only for the wealthy and will antagonize people who go to therapy. This is particularly harmful when coming from someone’s family as it often does. If your child says they believe they need therapy, then you should at least hear them out. Never suggest that they simply “get over it.”
Be Supportive
If someone you know is in therapy, then be supportive of their recovery. For example, a soldier suffering from PTSD may have a trigger that will cause him to have an episode. If this is the case then you will likely know. Just avoid setting these off. Odds are, this will not inconvenience you in the slightest, but it can make a world of difference to someone who is suffering with mental health issues.
If you are seeking mental health treatment in St. Paul then contact Options Family and Behavioral Services. Check their website at http://www.optionsfamily.com/.
