Mental Health Awareness Month

                                                                                         Mental Health Awareness
This month is dedicated to mental health awareness. What exactly does this mean and what makes this month any different from any other?
Since 1949 Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized every May. The goal has remained the same through the years: “to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in American’s lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.” Mental health is the focus for this month, and the importance it plays in everyone’s overall health and wellness is highlighted.
There is no doubt that perceptions and awareness of mental health and mental illness have advanced since 1949, and there is an increase in understanding and acceptance for those experiencing challenges with mental health. However, there remains one barrier that is difficult to break down. Stigma.
 
                                                                                                 Breaking Down Stigma
Mental Health Awareness Month uses their platform to address stigma by raising awareness, and providing education on how mental illness affects us all.  
Stigma has been around much longer than 1949 and has been a barrier for those with mental illness for a long time. It has become a significant barrier in seeking and receiving treatment for mental health concerns.
While we are all familiar with the term ‘stigma’ and the negative impact it has; what exactly is stigma, and where did it originate from?  Perhaps understanding this concept on a deeper level will assist in helping people to understand their own feelings related to stigma. (For an in-depth description of stigma, refer to the January blog post. This goes into the details and definitions). While the history of mental illness and stigma is sometimes difficult to understand or talk about, it is important to have some knowledge and understanding of what happened.
 
                                                                                                            Roots of Stigma
The history of stigma is as long as the history of mental health, the misunderstanding, bias, and misperceptions have evolved across the millennia. It is no secret that the history of mental illness and related treatments is not always a pleasant one, and at times shocking. Ancient theories about mental health were founded on beliefs of supernatural causes, demonic possession, curses, and sorcery. Treatments were based on religion and superstition and included prayer, exorcisms, incantations, and other forms of spirituality.  The care for those with mental health issues was seen as a burden and was even seen as a defect. Those abandoned by families were housed in workhouses, asylums, and at times faced a lifetime of imprisonment.
Stigma arose from the feelings of shame and humiliation felt by families of those with mental illnesses. Those with mental health disorders were also ostracized from society and families. Fear now went hand in hand with stigma. People fear what they do not understand, and stigma comes from lack of understanding or fear.
 
                                                                                                                  Hope
While stigma today is significantly less than earlier times, it does still exist. It is estimated that millions go untreated because of these stigmas.
Perhaps we need another Dorthea Dix.
Dorthea Dix was an amazing woman who challenged the idea that those with mental illnesses could not be helped or cured. She fought against the negative practices and treatments of the mentally ill and was key in the social reform of care for the mentally ill. Her main interest was improving the life of those with mental illness.  By doing this she was also playing her part in decreasing stigma.
So, to answer the question: what makes this month any different from any other? It gives everyone the opportunity to learn, help others learn, listen to others, and try to gain a better understanding of the journey we are all going through with our mental health.
Stigma is rooted in the lack of knowledge. This month is a chance to change that!
 
 
 
Change begins with each one of us, making a commitment to do better and be better. - Dorothea Dix
 
 

                                                                                          Peggy Fossen DNP, RN, CNE

 
 
 
References
Duverge, G. (2023, June 16). Breaking america’s mental health stigma. Touro University Worldwide. https://www.tuw.edu/psychology/breaking-americas-mental-health-stigma/
Mental Health & Stigma. Burn Away Your Burdens. (n.d.-a). https://www.bayburdens.org/blog/mental-health-stigma
Mental Health Awareness Month. SAMHSA. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month
Parry MS. Dorothea Dix (1802–1887). Am J Public Health. 2006 Apr;96(4):624–5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.079152. PMCID: PMC1470530.
Additional Links
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/dorothea-dixs-tireless-fight-to-end-inhumane-treatment-for-mental-health-patients