October is Mental Health Awareness Month, so what better way to advocate for mental health than to discuss what mental health is and the stigmas that surround it. Mental health talk has been popularized thanks to social media and TV shows; however, they do not always portray the correct information. Social media has opened up the conversation, but there is much more to dissect. One thing I want to emphasize is that social media is NOT a replacement for professional mental health services—in no way, shape, or form should you replace therapy with social media, Dr. Google, or AI/ChatGPT….

Mental health is as important as physical health, so why do we always dismiss seeking the appropriate treatment when it comes to our mental wellbeing? Let’s explore…

In recent days, we have seen more people, celebrities, and those in the social media world open up conversations about mental health (which is great!). However, speaking about mental health is still taboo among different groups and cultures. Misconceptions, stereotypes, fear of judgment and discrimination, cultural differences, and lack of awareness and education are some of the reasons why mental health is still taboo to this day.

When we do not speak or accept mental health, we also see a trend of different consequences that can arise. People delay seeking treatment, increased suffering can occur leading to prolonged and worsening symptoms, and feelings of isolation and loneliness can increase because people cannot openly discuss their experiences.

For example, our clinician, Emma Ramos is first-generation Mexican-American who was raised in a fully Mexican household.  Often times when she discusses her type of work with others or has ethnic clients coming in to process past experiences, the most common thing that is ingrained growing up is: “we do not speak about feelings or problems to ANYONE”—including family. Now that you have an idea as to why mental health is not taken care of as well as physical health, let’s continue with some additional information.

We all have mental health. Oftentimes we confuse mental health with mental illness. Mental health is a mixture of our overall emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and behave and how we react or cope with life stressors. Good mental health means we are able to manage stress, maintain positive relationships, and make daily decisions.

Whereas, mental illness is a diagnosable disorder that affects our mental health, causes significant distress, and affects our ability to function in daily life. Mental illness requires specific treatment to manage symptoms and improve functioning. Examples of mental illness are anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc. Again, this can only be diagnosed by a mental health professional with appropriate training. Treatment can vary from therapy to medication support to inpatient care. Seeking services from a mental health professional who can guide you toward the appropriate care is highly advised.

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a form of treatment that involves working with a mental health professional to improve mental health and wellbeing. Sessions can be individual, with family/couples, group, or collateral. Typically the frequency of sessions is weekly, but can also vary depending on the need of the client—all of this is something that is set up between you and your therapist. Therapy sessions are confidential and should provide a safe space for the client to express and process their thoughts and emotions relating to their challenges. I want to note that although sessions are fully confidential, we as therapists also have an ethical and mandatory obligation to break confidentiality when a client is presenting a high risk to themselves and/or to others. The purpose of therapy is to address emotional and behavioral issues from past and current life stressors or trauma, to develop healthy coping skills, and improve or manage mental health. Treatment can vary based on the client’s needs and/or the therapist’s approach. Sometimes a client’s mental health needs may be higher than others and can require additional support—medication.

Medication support is another form of mental health treatment. It involves a variety of prescription drugs also known as psychotropics, which are classified into different categories—antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Psychotropic medication can treat a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more. These should be supervised and prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and primary care physicians.

While medication provides stability, therapy addresses the root of the cause. Combining both allows you to address biological and psychological aspects of your mental health. They can be a powerful tool for effective and sustainable outcomes in treatment.

In order to reduce the stigma around mental health, we must continue the conversation. Not only on social media platforms or with our own therapist, but also with strangers and family too! While respecting each other’s differences, we can still find a way to prompt open communication and education about mental health in order to create a more supportive and inclusive environment. In summary, I will leave you with the following:

Promote open communication: encourage open and honest conversations about mental health, share personalexperiences, show empathy and respect, and speak up against negative comments

Educate yourself and others: learn facts, disseminate accurate information about mental health conditions and dispel myths and stigmas, promote equality

Reduce stigma: challenge negative stereotypes and prompt understanding and acceptance, normalize seeking treatment, support others by connecting them to resources, create a safe space to allow others to share their experiences without fear of judgment

Support mental health services: advocate for accessible and affordable mental health care

Mental health is essential for living a healthy, fullfiling, and productive life. By prioritizing our mental health wellbeing like we do with our physical healthy; we can improve overall health, relationships, and quality of life. 

Taking the first step can be daunting, but we’re here to support you. Visit our website KCW Psychological Services to learn more about how we can help you navigate life stressors.

Ready to begin your mental health journey? Please use the link below to book a consultation with your preferred KCW PSYCH therapist for support with managing your mental health. 

CLICK HERE to book your consultation with Calendly. 

Let us provide the safe, supportive space you need to heal and thrive. 

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