Let's Talk Taboo

Written by Grace Cho

Artwork by Yelim Kim

Did you know this past month was Mental Health Awareness Month? According to Youth.gov, “Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness”. This month recognizes and breaks down the stigma and prejudice regarding mental health. It is vital in increasing public awareness about varying mental health topics, and allows more to understand how we can help prevent them.

As Forbes states in an article, “Mental Illness Is the most neglected health problem in the developing world”. Mental health, although widely recognized, is still so very crucial to learn about and understand. Mental health awareness month allows for this once “taboo” matter to remain centre of conversation in society. Topics surrounding mental health has increased, even recently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many felt isolation, depression, anxiety, and more. Althoguh it may seem like you already know lots about mental health and how to prevent it, you can never truly know how to deal with it when you are in that situation of struggling with it.

As our society has advanced and developed, there are plenty of accessible resources out there when it comes to wanting support or guidance when you are dealing with mental health issues. You are never alone, and there will always be someone out there to help you. If you are in need of assistance, reach out. Unlike the 1970’s, mental health is publicly recognized, and there are plenty of support systems to help you overcome anything you may be facing.

But what happens when you aren’t the one struggling with mental health? What if you are watching your closest friend, family member, peer having difficulty overcoming their mental health issues?

Although there may be a wide spread of resources focusing on how to prevent or overcome mental health matters when you are the one dealing with it, there are limited resources talking about how to help when you are in a bystander position. Although not equally, there is much difficulty in watching your loved one battle and struggle by themselves. Although it may not seem like you can directly help someone in need, there are multiple ways you can provide assistance. Instead of watching on the sidelines or being a plain bystander, you have the ability to possibly saving someone’s life through merely reaching out a hand.

1. Stop, Look, and Listen: Don’t shy away from the truth. If you believe, with the right intentions and knowledge, that you are seeing someone with symptoms of mental health problems, reach out. Don’t confront them, gently reach out.

2. Have Empathy and Patience: Some may say that by directly involving yourself with one who is dealing with mental health, you are going to make the matters worse. However, if you step forward with kindness, empathy, and a calm gentle attitude, you will find that most will respond in the same way. Remember the Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. How would’ve you liked to be treated if you were in their shoes?

3. Don’t Shoulder the Burden: Sometimes you may feel pressured, like you are the only one who can help them out. In most cases, they may ask you to keep it a secret, and the pressure may overwhelm you even further. However, when you notice things may be getting too severe, don’t be afraid to ask someone trust-worthy for assistance. We are not able to provide actual mental or physical aid like professionals can, so don’t feel that you can help “solve” or “fix” someone. We want our loved ones to be safe, and in most cases that may only happen when you ask for further help.

These are only a few of the multiple ways, a bystander can turn into a life-saver. As Mental Health Awarness Month passes, try to remember that you have the ability to help someon out, reach out a hand to someone in need. We all play a part in promoting and advocating for mental health, and every voice counts. Although you may not personally be battling with mental health issues, you may find those in your surroundings that are. Mental health is a topic everyone should learn about and understand. Breaking the stigma and spreading awareness starts with you. From there, more people can receive the help and support they need. So become part of the change.

Works Cited:

Banis, Davide. “Mental Illness Is the Most Neglected Health Problem in the Developing World.” Forbes, 12 Oct. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/davidebanis/2019/01/24/mental-illness-is-the-most-neglected-health-problem-in-the-developing-world/?sh=3f519a581db4. Accessed 15 June 2023.

“May Is National Mental Health Month | Youth.gov.” Youth.gov, 2023, youth.gov/feature-article/may-national-mental-health-month#:~:text=Mental%20Health%20Month%20was%20established,for%20a%20person’s%20overall%20health. Accessed 15 June 2023.