There’s no way around it: talking and openly communicating about our own mental health is hard. However, discussing mental health is the first and most crucial step to achieving a healthier state of mind. Journaling, using symptom checkers, and other individual processes can sometimes help, but eventually, the time will come to reach out and ask for help from someone you trust.
Why is Talking About Mental Health So Difficult?
There are many reasons why talking about mental health can be difficult. A few challenges and worries include:
- Societal stigmas around certain disorders
- Internalized guilt or shame about mental health
- Fear of discrimination from peers and community
- Past experiences of judgment or backlash
- And others.
Despite these difficulties, talking about mental health openly and honestly is essential for improving quality of life for you and your loved ones.
Tips for Better Mental Health Communication
1. Make Yourself Aware of How You Talk About Mental Health
The first step to establishing better communication is to look honestly at how you and others talk about mental health. Becoming aware of our mental health communication habits can go a long way to fostering real conversations. Try:
- Avoiding Terms Like “Suffers From” or “Victim Of.” These terms imply a negative, painful, or hopeless situation. Try other phrases, such as “lives with,” “experiencing,” or “has.”
- Trying Not to Use Mental Health Diagnoses as Adjectives. Casually referring to yourself or others through the lens of a disorder you do not have (for example, “a little OCD” or “I’m so ADHD” and similar) can minimize or belittle the experiences of diagnosed individuals.
2. Be Your Own Best Mental Health Advocate
When it comes to talking about mental health, you are your own best advocate. No one knows what’s happening better than you do. Unfortunately, that means it also comes down to you to ask for help and initiate communication about mental health. This can be scary or produce anxiety, but the results are worth it in the long run. To help you navigate a conversation about your mental health with a trusted friend or family member, keep these tips in mind:
- Move at your own pace
- Be clear and direct about what you want to discuss and how you want to discuss it
- Prepare a list of questions and topics in case you get flustered during the moment
- Don’t downplay your problems or minimize your symptoms
- Remember it’s okay to make mistakes, mess up, or be imperfect
Most people deal with mental health issues at some point in life, with many getting diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other disorders. While making yourself vulnerable and starting the conversation can be nerve-racking, your friends and family will most likely be more receptive to the conversation than you anticipate.
3. Seek Out Mental Health Services from Certified & Proven Professionals
Sometimes you and your immediate support system cannot address mental health issues alone. When things start to feel out of control or too big, reach out to a certified and trustworthy mental health professional. Therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health specialists can give you personalized tools and communication strategies to improve your mental health.
It’s never too late to get help. Finding the right mental health services for your unique needs and situation can improve your quality of life and general outlook, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
West End Consultation Group is Here for You
Open mental health communication is a core value of West End Consultation Group. We maintain a team of board-certified mental health service providers to support patients throughout the Twin Cities, and we are ready to have frank and open discussions about solutions for your mental health needs. We work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses your specific health, which could include treatment for specific disorders, EMDR services, or medication management.
Contact us to learn more about our mental health services, and explore our blog and patient resources for additional tips and strategies for talking about mental health. West End Consultation Group is ready to help you navigate your journey to improved mental health.
