Break the Stigma: Strong Mental Health Starts with a Conversation

You are not alone. It’s a simple but powerful statement for anyone who has suffered from periods (or prolonged episodes) of anxiety, depression, or other mental health illnesses. For far too long, these types of struggles were viewed as weaknesses or something not to be discussed. But, for the 51.5 million people who experienced mental illness in 2019 — and the many others who are struggling — it’s time to break that silence.

Research continually proves that mental health is strongly tied to physical health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

This isn’t just a feel-good statement. It’s rooted in science. Individuals with depression have a greater risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, obesity, and others.

Mental health also matters because it affects so many of us, especially after a year of isolation, social distancing, and fear around the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 State of Mental Health in America found:

• Mental health was worsening before COVID-19, with 1.5 million more people reporting mental health illness in 2018’s report than in the previous year’s report.
• COVID-19 drove those numbers even higher, with a 93% increase in anxiety screenings and a 62% increase in depression screenings in 2020, compared to 2019.
• It’s important for the health and well-being of ourselves, our families, and our communities that we take mental health seriously and are empowered to reach out and ask for help.

When you’re struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, the first step in feeling like yourself again is having an open and honest conversation with someone you trust — like a loved one or health professional. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to help you feel confident, comfortable and empowered:

• Write down a few thoughts you want to share.
• Take a deep breath before starting your conversation.
• Remind yourself that you are not alone. Your feelings are valid.
• Be honest about your emotions and experiences, especially when you’re talking with a mental health professional. They have seen and heard it all and are there to help you.
• Be open to the advice and recommendations you hear from a mental health professional. (And take well-meaning advice from loved ones with a grain of salt.)

The good news is that if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, help is available. Mental health conditions are treatable. There are many proven, safe, and effective treatments for mental health issues, including:

• Psychotherapy – Cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy are two of the most common psychotherapies. There are many other approaches available and a mental health professional can help you find the one that’s best for you.
• Medication – Just as you would take insulin to help control blood sugar or medicine to lower your blood pressure, you may also need medicine to help regulate the hormones and chemicals that may be causing your mental health issues. A trained mental health professional or your primary care physician will discuss whether medication is right for you.
• Alternative or complementary medicine – In addition to therapy and medication, some individuals benefit from a holistic approach to their mental health. That may include therapies like acupuncture, exercise programs, or peer support groups.
• Specialized therapy – Sometimes, individuals may need a specialized approach to treating and managing mental health disorders. Programs like Emory Healthcare’s treatment-resistant depression program, addiction services, or geriatric psychiatry are geared to specific individuals and conditions, which can help connect you with the support, answers, and treatment you need.

Your mental health should always be a top priority. After all, a strong, supported mind can help you better manage setbacks or episodes of anxiety or depression. And the steps you take to keep your body healthy and strong can pull double duty in supporting your mental health.

• Regular exercise boosts your mood and can help reduce anxiety and depression.
• A good night’s sleep gives your brain and body the chance to rest and recharge — and may even reduce the risk of developing depression.
• A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods may encourage your brain to produce more serotonin, a feel-good chemical linked to improved moods.
• Strong social connections, and time spent with friends and family, can help you feel happier, be healthier, and even live longer.

Wherever you are, however, you are feeling, take the first step and break the stigma of mental health conditions. Share your experiences with friends and family members as you work through the strategies and coping skills to help you feel stronger — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Emory Healthcare offers a wide range of mental health services that include specialized care to best fit your needs. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 404-778-5526.

The Emory Brain Health Center uniquely integrates neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, rehabilitation medicine and sleep medicine and transforms patient-centered care for brain and spinal cord conditions through research and discovery.

Bringing these specialties together allows more than 400 researchers and clinicians from different areas to collaborate, predict, prevent, treat or cure devastating diseases and disorders of the brain more rapidly. These collaborations are demonstrated in numerous centers and programs across the Brain Health Center, including the Epilepsy Center, Pituitary Center, Stroke Center, Treatment-Resistant Depression Program and Veterans Program.

Emory’s multidisciplinary approach is transforming the world’s understanding of the vast frontiers of the brain, harnessing imagination and discovery to address 21st century challenges.

Learn more about comprehensive, diagnostic and innovative treatment options at the Emory Brain Health Center.