Thread by @DrHasson2

In our meeting with @albornoz_gabe and @MCDHHSDirector, we discussed the importance of advocacy and #stoppingthestigma with mental health. I figure it’s worthwhile to discuss ways to reduce the stigma around mental health. Short 🧵

1- Talk about it.

This is the easiest way to talk about mental health. Talk about it. Normalize discussing anxiety, depression, distress, etc., especially now. There’s a lot of uncertainty and that can yield anxiety. It’s ok to feel anxious and to talk about it.

2- Listen and don’t problem solve.

Often when someone starts discussing mental health, the tendency is to change the topic or give them ways to “fix it.” All this does is discourages the discussion and increase the negative stigma of mental health. Next time someone brings up

that they feel anxious or sad, don’t say “me too,” “have you tried X, Y, or Z,” or change the subject. Instead, listen to them. Provide comfort without judgement. The more we have the conversations, the more normal they become.

3- For the medical professionals out there, ask about mental health!

Medical professionals are held in higher regards than mental health professionals. If the medical profession starts asking more about anxiety and depression as part of every appointment this would be huge!

Consider it a vital sign. Just like nurses and MAs take blood pressure, height, weight, etc., have them ask about sleep, appetite, mood, anxiety, etc. By having medical professionals ask about it, it gives it more legitimacy in many people’s eyes, which will help to reduce stigma

4- Make sure Mental Health Days are a thing!

I 💚that many school districts are helping to reduce the stigma by including mental health as an excused absence! This is HUGE especially for our Gen Zs and Gen Alpha, who are growing up in a pandemic.

But mental health days shouldn’t just be for schools. Employers can provide these as well. Sometimes you need a day away and mental health days can provide that

5- Encourage Balance

This one is a little harder because our society is so focused on productivity. But productivity can come at a huge cost. The added stress and reduced time for recreation can result in not only mental health effects but physical health as well.

For instance, sleep deprivation can impact attention, memory, mood, lower your sex drive, puts you at higher risk for obesity and hypertension, and can even impact your body’s ability to fight off infections!

One way employers could help would be to check in with employees to make sure they have that balance. Don’t encourage working through lunch, make sure everyone has some dedicated rest time (away from work) during the day.

And unless it is part of the job (eg being on call) don’t expect employees to work beyond typical working hours. They need the time to relax and recharge.

6- Educate yourself on mental health and what it is.

Did you know that clinical levels of depression and anxiety are extremely common? How about that about 1% of people have schizophrenia (or 1,000 in every 100,000 people).

Or that 1 in 10 (or more) women experience postpartum depression? Mental health conditions are extremely common, yet we don’t talk about them often.

I hope this sparks some conversations. I would love to hear more ideas and get them out there! #MentalHealthIsHealth #stopthestigma

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