How To Talk About Mental Health?

Starting a conversation about mental health is not always easy though that is the first step to helping you feel better. Unfortunately for many of us, it can be extremely difficult to express ourselves, more so to approach that topic. Here are a few tips to help you or a loved one break the ice on this topic.

1. Understand that mental health is a stigmatized topic.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted in 2019, it was reported that 2.3% of Malaysians or about half a million people suffer from depression. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of understanding on this disease. With a strong social stigma surrounding mental illness, this leads to a saddening situation where patients are often left to suffer in silence.

With that in mind, there can be many reasons that make it extra hard to reach out for help. Some may have been shunned or ostracized while others may not have been able to find the right words. While the thought of sharing what you’re going through can feel scary and overwhelming, know that the benefits far outweigh the cost. Once you begin reaching out, you’ll realize that you are in fact not alone.

2. Getting started.
Let’s first establish there’s no standard guideline for the right way or best way to talk about our mental health. To just acknowledge that you need help is a truly powerful thing. Before starting a conversation with someone, it’s nice to write down what you’re feeling first. It gives you a clearer idea of what you want to put through and allows you to organize your thoughts better. For some, it may also be more helpful to write without a guide so do remember – each to their own.

Next comes to choosing someone to talk to. It can be anyone from a family member, close friend or even a stranger; anyone you feel comfortable in confiding in. Give them a heads-up and let them know that you’d like to have a serious conversation and ask them to set some time aside. This lets them know beforehand that your conversation will not only be in a serious manner, but also a respectable manner.

3. Having the conversation.
When you’re ready to talk, remember to just be yourself and go at your own pace. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s okay to take it slow. Talking about your mental health is more than just another conversation. You don’t have to get everything out at once nor should you feel the need to downplay your feelings. Society often makes serious matters seem lighter than they really but ironically, that can make it harder for you to get the help you need.

Something to also keep in mind is that some people may not respond well. In such situations, don’t be sidelined and don’t blame yourself for anything. Simply move on to someone else. Of course, the ideal situation is for our loved ones to support us the way we need them to. But, not everyone in your life is going to respond in the right way. Just give it some time as sometimes, they simply need some adjustment.