November 1, 2024 • 23 mins
Text the show a topic request (or just say hello)
Unlock the power to understand and overcome mental health stigma in our latest episode, where you'll gain insightful strategies for fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. We tackle the often misunderstood differences between mental health and mental illness, laying bare the pervasive stigmas that hinder so many from seeking the help they need. Through a compassionate lens, we dissect the layers of self-stigma, public stigma, and structural stigma, offering a holistic view of the mental health landscape. Our discussion highlights the unique cultural challenges faced by BIPOC communities and reveals the power of education and advocacy in creating change.
Prepare to be inspired as we navigate the rich tapestry of cultural narratives that shape mental health perceptions across diverse communities. From the emphasis on personal resilience in Latinx families to the importance of family honor in Asian American households, we explore how these values can both hinder and help mental health discussions. Our conversation sets the stage for actionable steps, encouraging listeners to take small but impactful measures to raise mental health awareness and improve access to support. This episode is a call to action — a speak-out plea to break down barriers, champion mental health advocacy, and kindle ongoing conversations that nurture healing and understanding. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will unravel the complexities of trauma and offer pathways to reconnection and recovery.
Find Reframing the Membrane: Crossing Boundaries
- Online @ reframingthemembrane.com
- Instagram @ reframingthemembrane
Disclaimer:
This podcast serves solely for informational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it substitute for a relationship with a licensed mental health clinician. Always consult your physician before deciding about your physical or mental health.
Help Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- National Helpline
- Find a Psychiatrist
- Find Treatment
- ANXIETY & DEPRESSION ASSOCIATION (ADAA) Find a Therapist
- FIND A CBT Therapist
- Self-Help Book Recommendations
References:
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Brosschot, J. F., Gerin, W., & Thayer, J. F. (2006). The perseverative cognition hypothesis: A review of worry, prolonged stress-related physiological activation, and health. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60(2), 113-124.
- Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., Maggioni, F., Evans-Lacko, S., Bezborodovs, N., & Thornicroft, G. (2015). What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine, 45(1), 11-27.
- Gross, J. J. (2002). Emotion regulation: Affective, cognitive, and social consequences. Psychophysiology, 39(3), 281-291.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kapri (00:00):
Hello and welcome.
I'm your host, Kapri, and thisepisode focuses on understanding
mental health, navigatingstigma, awareness and support.
We aim for a holisticunderstanding to empower
listeners with practicalknowledge for navigating mental
health challenges.
Mental health encompassesemotional, psychological and
social well-being, affecting howwe think, feel and act.
(00:22):
It's crucial to distinguishbetween mental health and mental
illness, as everyoneexperiences mental health on a
spectrum with potentialfluctuations based on life
circumstances.
Mental illnesses are specificconditions affecting mood,
thinking and behavior, such asdepression, anxiety disorders
and bipolar disorder.
(00:42):
Mental health, however,encompasses our emotional,
psychological and socialwell-being.
It affects how we think, feeland act, and it plays a key role
in how we handle stress, relateto others and make choices.
Mental illnesses are conditionsthat can cause distress and
impair one's ability to functionin daily life.
(01:04):
Mental illnesses include a widerange of disorders, such as
depression, anxiety disorders,schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
and post-traumatic stressdisorder, for example.
Unlike mental health, whicheveryone has, mental illnesses
are diagnosed when symptoms meetcertain criteria outlined in
clinical guidelines like theDiagnostic and Statistical
(01:26):
Manual of Mental Disorders.
So just to differentiate mentalhealth refers to the overall
state of one's psychologicalwell-being.
Mental illness involvesspecific disorders that disrupt
mental health and requiretreatment to help manage
symptoms.
It is possible for someone tohave poor mental health without
a mental illness, or to havemental illness while still
(01:49):
experiencing periods of goodmental health, with proper
management.
In our conversations, weadvocate for holistic care
related to mind, body and spirit.
Anxiety disorders such asgeneralized anxiety disorder are
among the most common mentalhealth conditions, and it can
involve persistent and excessiveworry about different aspects
of life.
(02:09):
It often shows up as symptomslike restlessness, muscle
tension, sleep disturbances anddifficulty concentrating.
Understanding conditions likegeneralized anxiety disorder can
help us to recognize thatmental health isn't just about
having a quote unquote positivemindset.
It's about navigating real andoften overwhelming challenges.
(02:31):
So let's move into discussingstigma, how it manifests, how it
creates barriers and what wecan do to challenge it.
Are you ready to make adifference in your community?
In our Speak Out Advocacyseries, we're here to empower
you to use your voice for change.
Whether improving access tomental health care, reducing
stigma or shaping importantsocial policies, this series
(02:53):
provides the tools to create alasting impact.
If advocating for better care,breaking down barriers or
transforming mental healthservices speaks to your heart,
this is the perfect space tolearn and take action.
Do you have a topic you'repassionate about or need support
advocating for yourself orothers?
We'd love to hear from you.
Text the show to share yourthoughts.
(03:14):
Just check the details in theshow notes.
Together, let's build acommunity that fosters change.
Keep enjoying reframing themembrane.
Stigma surrounding mental healthis a significant barrier that
keeps people from accessing thehelp they need.
It perpetuates myths andmisunderstandings that
individuals feel ashamed orhesitant to seek support.
(03:35):
There are different types ofstigma we need to address.
The first type is self-stigma.
This type of stigma happenswhen individuals internalize
negative societal attitudesabout mental health conditions.
For example, a personstruggling with anxiety disorder
might feel weak or incapablefor not being able to manage
their worries, leading them toavoid discussing their condition
(03:57):
or seeking help.
The next one is public stigma.
This involves stereotypes anddiscrimination toward people
with mental health issues.
Think about the way phrases likecrazy or unstable are casually
used in workplaces or socialsettings to describe someone
dealing with a mental healthchallenge.
These words can deepen feelingsof isolation and fuel
(04:18):
misconceptions.
And then there's structuralstigma, which includes the
policies, cultural norms andinstitutional practices that
make accessing mental healthcare difficult.
For instance, health insuranceplans that limit mental health
coverage or workplaces thatdon't allow mental health days
can contribute to structuralstigma, making it harder for
(04:40):
individuals to get the help thatthey need.
Now let's explore how stigmashows up in different cultural
and community contexts.
Understanding these variationshelps us address the problem
more effectively.
More on that after a shortbreak.
The Reframing the MembraneCrossing Boundaries podcast is
provided solely forinformational and entertainment
(05:01):
purposes.
It is not intended to replaceprofessional medical or mental
health advice, diagnosis ortreatment, nor does it
substitute for a relationshipwith a licensed mental health
clinician.
Always consult your physicianbefore deciding about your
physical or mental health.
Mental health stigma doesn'tlook the same in every community
.
It's shaped by cultural values,history and experiences with
(05:25):
healthcare systems values,history and experiences with
healthcare systems.
Let's delve deeper into howstigma manifests across various
BIPOC communities and the uniquecultural factors that
contribute to it.
In many African-Americancommunities, for example, there
is a cultural emphasis often onresilience and self-reliance,
making discussing mental healthchallenges difficult.
(05:45):
The idea of quote unquote,toughing it out, often leads to
silence around conditions likedepression or anxiety.
There's also the notion ofpraying through it, the belief
that faith and prayer aresufficient to manage challenges
without seeking additionalsupport.
While faith can be a powerfulcoping tool, it can sometimes
(06:05):
overshadow the need forprofessional help.
Historical mistrust inhealthcare influences attitudes
towards seeking help for medicalprofessionals.
The mistrust is rooted inunethical practices, such as the
Tuskegee experiment with blackman being deliberately misled
about receiving treatment forsyphilis.
Another significant example isHenrietta Lacks, an
(06:26):
African-American woman whosecells were taken without her
consent for medical research andare still being used today.
And these are just two examplesthat highlight issues of
exploitation and informedconsent.
These events contribute toskepticism and fear about the
health care system, includingmental health services.
About the health care system,including mental health services
(06:49):
.
In some Latinx communities,mental health is often viewed
through a lens that emphasizespersonal resilience and familial
support.
Mental health conditions mightbe described in terms such as
attack of the nerves, framingthese issues more as physical
symptoms rather thanpsychological conditions that
need treatment.
The cultural concept of a deepcommitment to family can also
influence how mental health isperceived.
(07:09):
While family support can be asource of strength, it can also
lead to feelings of guilt orburden, discouraging individuals
from seeking help outside thefamily.
Additionally, the idea ofcommunity solidarity and pride
can inadvertently createpressure to maintain a strong
front and avoid showingvulnerability.
In some Asian, american andPacific Islander communities,
(07:34):
there's a significant pressureto achieve a high academic and
career success, tied to themodel minority myth, which can
make mental health challengesseem like a failure.
The concept of saving face,maintaining a positive social
image and not bringing shame tothe family can make discussing
mental health strugglesdifficult.
There's often a belief thatemotional challenges are best
(07:56):
handled privately or should bedealt with through willpower.
This stigma can prevent peoplefrom seeking help or even
acknowledging their mentalhealth issues.
For example, in sometraditional beliefs, mental
health symptoms might beattributed to supernatural
causes such as a spirit orspirit possession, rather than
(08:17):
being seen as a medicalcondition that can be treated,
and this isn't just the case forAAPI cultures.
This spans numerous communitiesAmong Native American and
Indigenous populations.
Historical trauma fromcolonization, forced relocation
and cultural suppression hasdeeply impacted mental health.
The intergenerationaltransmission of trauma continues
(08:41):
to affect community well-being,with higher rates of substance
abuse and mental healthconditions like PTSD.
With higher rates of substanceabuse and mental health
conditions like PTSD.
The emphasis on community andcollective well-being is a
source of resilience, but canalso mean that individual mental
health needs are deprioritizedin favor of communal obligations
.
Traditional healing practicesand spirituality often play a
(09:05):
significant role in mentalhealth, but access to culturally
appropriate mental health carecan be limited due to systemic
barriers and a lack ofindigenous mental health
professionals.
Are you ready to make adifference in your community?
In our Speak Out Advocacyseries, we're here to empower
you to use your voice for change.
Whether improving access tomental health care, reducing
(09:27):
stigma or shaping importantsocial policies, this series
provides the tools to create alasting impact.
If advocating for better care,breaking down barriers or
transforming mental healthservices speaks to your heart,
this is the perfect space tolearn and take action.
Do you have a topic you'repassionate about or need support
advocating for yourself orothers?
(09:48):
We'd love to hear from you.
Text the show to share yourthoughts.
Just check the details in theshow notes.
Together, let's build acommunity that fosters change.
(10:09):
Keep enjoying reframing themembrane, healing and community
empowerment.
We dive deeper into thediscussion around the importance
of social and emotionalwell-being and the role that
spirituality andhealing-centered approaches can
play in our journey to take careof ourselves.
Across diverse BIPOCcommunities, mental health
stigma can intersect withexperiences of racism.
Economic stress can intersectwith experiences of racism,
economic stress and other formsof marginalization, leading to
(10:36):
compounded barriers.
For instance, some South Asiancommunities may view mental
health issues as family problemsrather than individual concerns
, thus discouraging openconversations about mental
illnesses.
In Middle Eastern and NorthAfrican communities, cultural
norms that emphasize familyhonor can result in avoiding
mental health services toprevent perceived shame on the
family.
These examples illustrate howmental health stigma is deeply
(10:59):
embedded within culturalnarratives and societal norms,
making it crucial to approachmental health through culturally
sensitive andcommunity-centered strategies.
Next, let's discuss strategiesto educate ourselves and others,
reduce stigma and make mentalhealth support more accessible
in schools, workplaces and thebroader community.
Education is essential forbreaking down stigma.
(11:22):
By teaching about mental health, emotional distress and the
symptoms of mental illnesses, wecan help demystify these
conditions and empower people toseek support.
Even having conversations likewe're having today is a way to
educate and help to reduce thestigma.
Integrating mental healtheducation to the school
curriculum can change how youngpeople view mental health.
(11:44):
Including lessons on anxiety,depression and other mental
health conditions can helpstudents recognize the signs in
themselves or their peers andfeel more comfortable discussing
these topics.
It's also important to equipteachers and staff with the
training needed to identifysigns of emotional distress and
provide support.
(12:04):
Providing mental healthinformation to parents and
caregivers can also bridge thegap between schools and families
.
Including resources innewspapers, newsletters,
workshops and community eventscan help to normalize
discussions about mental health.
Workplaces need to go beyondoffering employee assistance
programs and provide ongoingeducation about mental health,
(12:28):
anti-stigma campaigns and accessto culturally competent
resources to create supportiveenvironments where people feel
safer seeking help.
For example, organizations canpartner with local mental health
groups that serve diversecommunities to offer resources
that resonate with employees aspart of learning and development
.
Promoting mental health days atwork and offering flexible work
(12:53):
options can also foster aculture that values mental
wellness.
Now let's turn to why peopleavoid seeking help and what we
can do to overcome some of thesebarriers.
So why don't people ask forhelp?
Despite increased awareness,many people hesitate to seek
help for mental health issuesfor a variety of reasons.
One is a fear of judgment.
(13:15):
Concerns about being labeledcan deter people from seeking
treatment.
This is especially common inhigh-pressure environments like
workplaces or academic settings,where appearing to be strong is
often equated with success.
I'm going to ask you right nowto pause what you're doing and
check on your strong friend.
And if you're the strong friendand you need support, check the
(13:39):
show notes for support near you.
Another reason is lack ofawareness.
Not everyone recognizes thesymptoms of mental health
conditions in themselves.
For instance, someone with ananxiety disorder might think
their constant worry is just anormal personality trait rather
than a treatable condition.
This lack of awareness candelay seeking treatment and
(14:02):
exacerbate the condition.
Then there are financialbarriers.
High cost and limited access tomental health services remain
significant obstacles to mentalhealth services remain
significant obstacles,particularly for marginalized
communities.
Many are unaware of slidingscale fee options.
Community health centers,teletherapy services can also
(14:24):
provide more affordable care.
I'll put some resources in theshow notes.
More on financial barriers andwhat you can do in the show
notes.
And then there is the stigma inprofessional settings.
So in workplaces there's a fearsometimes of professional
repercussions that candiscourage individuals from
(14:46):
discussing their mental healthneeds.
We see clients all the timethat work in corporations.
These are high profileexecutives and they are well
insured and financially secure,and they would rather pay off
the books than to have theirinsurance or anyone know that
they are seeking help for theirmental health, and it's a very
(15:11):
common trait and it's part ofthis stigma in professional
settings and just in society,where people don't want others
to know that they may be goingthrough something.
Employees might worry aboutbeing perceived as less capable
or face discrimination, and thiscan lead to prolonged suffering
(15:31):
and burnout.
It can also lead to job loss.
So these are just a few of thereasons, and there are many more
.
This is not an exhaustive listas to why people don't seek help
and don't speak out, and soit's up to each and every one of
us to break down these barriersand advocate and speak out,
like we're doing today, in orderto affect and be the change
(15:54):
that we want to see.
So I'll share a quick storyabout a friend who has struggled
with anxiety for years.
We actually were co-workers andbecame friends and continued to
have a great relationship, andthey thought that their constant
worrying and sleepless nights,their insomnia, was just normal
stress from work.
(16:15):
We were working upward 80 hoursper week, and so it made sense
that we'd all have a bit ofstress and anxiety about the
variety of things that weregoing on in the workplace and
the environment.
And it wasn't until we startedhaving conversations about
mental health and self-care thatshe recognized that she had the
symptoms of generalized anxietydisorder, and so we started to
(16:39):
talk about different therapiesthat might be able to help.
We found a culturally competenttherapist who understood her
background and is still on ajourney to being the best
version of herself andeffectively managing her anxiety
.
Engaging communities and mentalhealth efforts is vital.
Partnering with local, stateand regional organizations can
(17:02):
expand access to resourcesCommunity centers, churches,
cultural groups.
They can also serve as focalpoints for mental health support
, so check those locations inyour area if you're in need of
support or know someone who isAlso providing information and
hosting workshops and justtalking about demystifying
mental health.
(17:22):
It's a great way to engage thecommunity to increase awareness.
Schools and workplaces can alsocollaborate with organizations
like those I just mentioned tobuild comprehensive networks
that offer diverse forms ofsupport.
Offering programs thatintegrate traditional healing
practices with moderntherapeutic approaches can also
(17:44):
help make mental health supportmore accessible to those who may
be skeptical of conventionalmethods.
As we close out today's episode,I empower you to take steps
toward creating a moresupportive mental health
environment.
Talk about mental health openlyin your communities.
Your openness could encouragesomeone else to seek help, learn
(18:05):
about common mental healthconditions and share resources
with those around you.
There are several in the shownotes, so I'll provide those
links so that you can sharethose with friends and family.
Advocate for better access,support policies that expand
mental health coverage andpartner with local groups to
increase resource availability.
And check in regularly.
(18:26):
Whether it's a friend, aco-worker, a loved one or
yourself, regular, regularlycheck in.
These check-ins can make asignificant difference.
Today we covered the basics ofmental health to drive awareness
, we explored some of the layersof stigma and discussed some
practical, simple steps that canbe taken to increase awareness
(18:47):
and access to support.
Remember, changing theconversation around mental
health starts with each one ofus.
We can create safer, moreunderstanding spaces in schools,
workplaces and communities bytaking small steps together.
Mental health is an integralpart of overall wellness.
Seeking help is not a sign ofweakness but a courageous step
(19:09):
toward healing.
In our next episode, we'll diveinto understanding trauma and
its impact on the body and mind.
We'll explore strategies forhealing and reconnecting.
Until then, stay compassionate,stay curious and keep these
conversations alive.
Hello and welcome.
I'm your host, Kapri, and thisepisode focuses on understanding
mental health, navigatingstigma, awareness and support.
We aim for a holisticunderstanding to empower
listeners with practicalknowledge for navigating mental
health challenges.
Mental health encompassesemotional, psychological and
social well-being, affecting howwe think, feel and act.
(00:22):
It's crucial to distinguishbetween mental health and mental
illness, as everyoneexperiences mental health on a
spectrum with potentialfluctuations based on life
circumstances.
Mental illnesses are specificconditions affecting mood,
thinking and behavior, such asdepression, anxiety disorders
and bipolar disorder.
(00:42):
Mental health, however,encompasses our emotional,
psychological and socialwell-being.
It affects how we think, feeland act, and it plays a key role
in how we handle stress, relateto others and make choices.
Mental illnesses are conditionsthat can cause distress and
impair one's ability to functionin daily life.
(01:04):
Mental illnesses include a widerange of disorders, such as
depression, anxiety disorders,schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
and post-traumatic stressdisorder, for example.
Unlike mental health, whicheveryone has, mental illnesses
are diagnosed when symptoms meetcertain criteria outlined in
clinical guidelines like theDiagnostic and Statistical
(01:26):
Manual of Mental Disorders.
So just to differentiate mentalhealth refers to the overall
state of one's psychologicalwell-being.
Mental illness involvesspecific disorders that disrupt
mental health and requiretreatment to help manage
symptoms.
It is possible for someone tohave poor mental health without
a mental illness, or to havemental illness while still
(01:49):
experiencing periods of goodmental health, with proper
management.
In our conversations, weadvocate for holistic care
related to mind, body and spirit.
Anxiety disorders such asgeneralized anxiety disorder are
among the most common mentalhealth conditions, and it can
involve persistent and excessiveworry about different aspects
of life.
(02:09):
It often shows up as symptomslike restlessness, muscle
tension, sleep disturbances anddifficulty concentrating.
Understanding conditions likegeneralized anxiety disorder can
help us to recognize thatmental health isn't just about
having a quote unquote positivemindset.
It's about navigating real andoften overwhelming challenges.
(02:31):
So let's move into discussingstigma, how it manifests, how it
creates barriers and what wecan do to challenge it.
Are you ready to make adifference in your community?
In our Speak Out Advocacyseries, we're here to empower
you to use your voice for change.
Whether improving access tomental health care, reducing
stigma or shaping importantsocial policies, this series
(02:53):
provides the tools to create alasting impact.
If advocating for better care,breaking down barriers or
transforming mental healthservices speaks to your heart,
this is the perfect space tolearn and take action.
Do you have a topic you'repassionate about or need support
advocating for yourself orothers?
We'd love to hear from you.
Text the show to share yourthoughts.
(03:14):
Just check the details in theshow notes.
Together, let's build acommunity that fosters change.
Keep enjoying reframing themembrane.
Stigma surrounding mental healthis a significant barrier that
keeps people from accessing thehelp they need.
It perpetuates myths andmisunderstandings that
individuals feel ashamed orhesitant to seek support.
(03:35):
There are different types ofstigma we need to address.
The first type is self-stigma.
This type of stigma happenswhen individuals internalize
negative societal attitudesabout mental health conditions.
For example, a personstruggling with anxiety disorder
might feel weak or incapablefor not being able to manage
their worries, leading them toavoid discussing their condition
(03:57):
or seeking help.
The next one is public stigma.
This involves stereotypes anddiscrimination toward people
with mental health issues.
Think about the way phrases likecrazy or unstable are casually
used in workplaces or socialsettings to describe someone
dealing with a mental healthchallenge.
These words can deepen feelingsof isolation and fuel
(04:18):
misconceptions.
And then there's structuralstigma, which includes the
policies, cultural norms andinstitutional practices that
make accessing mental healthcare difficult.
For instance, health insuranceplans that limit mental health
coverage or workplaces thatdon't allow mental health days
can contribute to structuralstigma, making it harder for
(04:40):
individuals to get the help thatthey need.
Now let's explore how stigmashows up in different cultural
and community contexts.
Understanding these variationshelps us address the problem
more effectively.
More on that after a shortbreak.
The Reframing the MembraneCrossing Boundaries podcast is
provided solely forinformational and entertainment
(05:01):
purposes.
It is not intended to replaceprofessional medical or mental
health advice, diagnosis ortreatment, nor does it
substitute for a relationshipwith a licensed mental health
clinician.
Always consult your physicianbefore deciding about your
physical or mental health.
Mental health stigma doesn'tlook the same in every community
.
It's shaped by cultural values,history and experiences with
(05:25):
healthcare systems values,history and experiences with
healthcare systems.
Let's delve deeper into howstigma manifests across various
BIPOC communities and the uniquecultural factors that
contribute to it.
In many African-Americancommunities, for example, there
is a cultural emphasis often onresilience and self-reliance,
making discussing mental healthchallenges difficult.
(05:45):
The idea of quote unquote,toughing it out, often leads to
silence around conditions likedepression or anxiety.
There's also the notion ofpraying through it, the belief
that faith and prayer aresufficient to manage challenges
without seeking additionalsupport.
While faith can be a powerfulcoping tool, it can sometimes
(06:05):
overshadow the need forprofessional help.
Historical mistrust inhealthcare influences attitudes
towards seeking help for medicalprofessionals.
The mistrust is rooted inunethical practices, such as the
Tuskegee experiment with blackman being deliberately misled
about receiving treatment forsyphilis.
Another significant example isHenrietta Lacks, an
(06:26):
African-American woman whosecells were taken without her
consent for medical research andare still being used today.
And these are just two examplesthat highlight issues of
exploitation and informedconsent.
These events contribute toskepticism and fear about the
health care system, includingmental health services.
About the health care system,including mental health services
(06:49):
.
In some Latinx communities,mental health is often viewed
through a lens that emphasizespersonal resilience and familial
support.
Mental health conditions mightbe described in terms such as
attack of the nerves, framingthese issues more as physical
symptoms rather thanpsychological conditions that
need treatment.
The cultural concept of a deepcommitment to family can also
influence how mental health isperceived.
(07:09):
While family support can be asource of strength, it can also
lead to feelings of guilt orburden, discouraging individuals
from seeking help outside thefamily.
Additionally, the idea ofcommunity solidarity and pride
can inadvertently createpressure to maintain a strong
front and avoid showingvulnerability.
In some Asian, american andPacific Islander communities,
(07:34):
there's a significant pressureto achieve a high academic and
career success, tied to themodel minority myth, which can
make mental health challengesseem like a failure.
The concept of saving face,maintaining a positive social
image and not bringing shame tothe family can make discussing
mental health strugglesdifficult.
There's often a belief thatemotional challenges are best
(07:56):
handled privately or should bedealt with through willpower.
This stigma can prevent peoplefrom seeking help or even
acknowledging their mentalhealth issues.
For example, in sometraditional beliefs, mental
health symptoms might beattributed to supernatural
causes such as a spirit orspirit possession, rather than
(08:17):
being seen as a medicalcondition that can be treated,
and this isn't just the case forAAPI cultures.
This spans numerous communitiesAmong Native American and
Indigenous populations.
Historical trauma fromcolonization, forced relocation
and cultural suppression hasdeeply impacted mental health.
The intergenerationaltransmission of trauma continues
(08:41):
to affect community well-being,with higher rates of substance
abuse and mental healthconditions like PTSD.
With higher rates of substanceabuse and mental health
conditions like PTSD.
The emphasis on community andcollective well-being is a
source of resilience, but canalso mean that individual mental
health needs are deprioritizedin favor of communal obligations
.
Traditional healing practicesand spirituality often play a
(09:05):
significant role in mentalhealth, but access to culturally
appropriate mental health carecan be limited due to systemic
barriers and a lack ofindigenous mental health
professionals.
Are you ready to make adifference in your community?
In our Speak Out Advocacyseries, we're here to empower
you to use your voice for change.
Whether improving access tomental health care, reducing
(09:27):
stigma or shaping importantsocial policies, this series
provides the tools to create alasting impact.
If advocating for better care,breaking down barriers or
transforming mental healthservices speaks to your heart,
this is the perfect space tolearn and take action.
Do you have a topic you'repassionate about or need support
advocating for yourself orothers?
(09:48):
We'd love to hear from you.
Text the show to share yourthoughts.
Just check the details in theshow notes.
Together, let's build acommunity that fosters change.
(10:09):
Keep enjoying reframing themembrane, healing and community
empowerment.
We dive deeper into thediscussion around the importance
of social and emotionalwell-being and the role that
spirituality andhealing-centered approaches can
play in our journey to take careof ourselves.
Across diverse BIPOCcommunities, mental health
stigma can intersect withexperiences of racism.
Economic stress can intersectwith experiences of racism,
economic stress and other formsof marginalization, leading to
(10:36):
compounded barriers.
For instance, some South Asiancommunities may view mental
health issues as family problemsrather than individual concerns
, thus discouraging openconversations about mental
illnesses.
In Middle Eastern and NorthAfrican communities, cultural
norms that emphasize familyhonor can result in avoiding
mental health services toprevent perceived shame on the
family.
These examples illustrate howmental health stigma is deeply
(10:59):
embedded within culturalnarratives and societal norms,
making it crucial to approachmental health through culturally
sensitive andcommunity-centered strategies.
Next, let's discuss strategiesto educate ourselves and others,
reduce stigma and make mentalhealth support more accessible
in schools, workplaces and thebroader community.
Education is essential forbreaking down stigma.
(11:22):
By teaching about mental health, emotional distress and the
symptoms of mental illnesses, wecan help demystify these
conditions and empower people toseek support.
Even having conversations likewe're having today is a way to
educate and help to reduce thestigma.
Integrating mental healtheducation to the school
curriculum can change how youngpeople view mental health.
(11:44):
Including lessons on anxiety,depression and other mental
health conditions can helpstudents recognize the signs in
themselves or their peers andfeel more comfortable discussing
these topics.
It's also important to equipteachers and staff with the
training needed to identifysigns of emotional distress and
provide support.
(12:04):
Providing mental healthinformation to parents and
caregivers can also bridge thegap between schools and families
.
Including resources innewspapers, newsletters,
workshops and community eventscan help to normalize
discussions about mental health.
Workplaces need to go beyondoffering employee assistance
programs and provide ongoingeducation about mental health,
(12:28):
anti-stigma campaigns and accessto culturally competent
resources to create supportiveenvironments where people feel
safer seeking help.
For example, organizations canpartner with local mental health
groups that serve diversecommunities to offer resources
that resonate with employees aspart of learning and development
.
Promoting mental health days atwork and offering flexible work
(12:53):
options can also foster aculture that values mental
wellness.
Now let's turn to why peopleavoid seeking help and what we
can do to overcome some of thesebarriers.
So why don't people ask forhelp?
Despite increased awareness,many people hesitate to seek
help for mental health issuesfor a variety of reasons.
One is a fear of judgment.
(13:15):
Concerns about being labeledcan deter people from seeking
treatment.
This is especially common inhigh-pressure environments like
workplaces or academic settings,where appearing to be strong is
often equated with success.
I'm going to ask you right nowto pause what you're doing and
check on your strong friend.
And if you're the strong friendand you need support, check the
(13:39):
show notes for support near you.
Another reason is lack ofawareness.
Not everyone recognizes thesymptoms of mental health
conditions in themselves.
For instance, someone with ananxiety disorder might think
their constant worry is just anormal personality trait rather
than a treatable condition.
This lack of awareness candelay seeking treatment and
(14:02):
exacerbate the condition.
Then there are financialbarriers.
High cost and limited access tomental health services remain
significant obstacles to mentalhealth services remain
significant obstacles,particularly for marginalized
communities.
Many are unaware of slidingscale fee options.
Community health centers,teletherapy services can also
(14:24):
provide more affordable care.
I'll put some resources in theshow notes.
More on financial barriers andwhat you can do in the show
notes.
And then there is the stigma inprofessional settings.
So in workplaces there's a fearsometimes of professional
repercussions that candiscourage individuals from
(14:46):
discussing their mental healthneeds.
We see clients all the timethat work in corporations.
These are high profileexecutives and they are well
insured and financially secure,and they would rather pay off
the books than to have theirinsurance or anyone know that
they are seeking help for theirmental health, and it's a very
(15:11):
common trait and it's part ofthis stigma in professional
settings and just in society,where people don't want others
to know that they may be goingthrough something.
Employees might worry aboutbeing perceived as less capable
or face discrimination, and thiscan lead to prolonged suffering
(15:31):
and burnout.
It can also lead to job loss.
So these are just a few of thereasons, and there are many more
.
This is not an exhaustive listas to why people don't seek help
and don't speak out, and soit's up to each and every one of
us to break down these barriersand advocate and speak out,
like we're doing today, in orderto affect and be the change
(15:54):
that we want to see.
So I'll share a quick storyabout a friend who has struggled
with anxiety for years.
We actually were co-workers andbecame friends and continued to
have a great relationship, andthey thought that their constant
worrying and sleepless nights,their insomnia, was just normal
stress from work.
(16:15):
We were working upward 80 hoursper week, and so it made sense
that we'd all have a bit ofstress and anxiety about the
variety of things that weregoing on in the workplace and
the environment.
And it wasn't until we startedhaving conversations about
mental health and self-care thatshe recognized that she had the
symptoms of generalized anxietydisorder, and so we started to
(16:39):
talk about different therapiesthat might be able to help.
We found a culturally competenttherapist who understood her
background and is still on ajourney to being the best
version of herself andeffectively managing her anxiety
.
Engaging communities and mentalhealth efforts is vital.
Partnering with local, stateand regional organizations can
(17:02):
expand access to resourcesCommunity centers, churches,
cultural groups.
They can also serve as focalpoints for mental health support
, so check those locations inyour area if you're in need of
support or know someone who isAlso providing information and
hosting workshops and justtalking about demystifying
mental health.
(17:22):
It's a great way to engage thecommunity to increase awareness.
Schools and workplaces can alsocollaborate with organizations
like those I just mentioned tobuild comprehensive networks
that offer diverse forms ofsupport.
Offering programs thatintegrate traditional healing
practices with moderntherapeutic approaches can also
(17:44):
help make mental health supportmore accessible to those who may
be skeptical of conventionalmethods.
As we close out today's episode,I empower you to take steps
toward creating a moresupportive mental health
environment.
Talk about mental health openlyin your communities.
Your openness could encouragesomeone else to seek help, learn
(18:05):
about common mental healthconditions and share resources
with those around you.
There are several in the shownotes, so I'll provide those
links so that you can sharethose with friends and family.
Advocate for better access,support policies that expand
mental health coverage andpartner with local groups to
increase resource availability.
And check in regularly.
(18:26):
Whether it's a friend, aco-worker, a loved one or
yourself, regular, regularlycheck in.
These check-ins can make asignificant difference.
Today we covered the basics ofmental health to drive awareness
, we explored some of the layersof stigma and discussed some
practical, simple steps that canbe taken to increase awareness
(18:47):
and access to support.
Remember, changing theconversation around mental
health starts with each one ofus.
We can create safer, moreunderstanding spaces in schools,
workplaces and communities bytaking small steps together.
Mental health is an integralpart of overall wellness.
Seeking help is not a sign ofweakness but a courageous step
(19:09):
toward healing.
In our next episode, we'll diveinto understanding trauma and
its impact on the body and mind.
We'll explore strategies forhealing and reconnecting.
Until then, stay compassionate,stay curious and keep these
conversations alive.
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