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Have not we come a long way in advancements and developments? Today we have also marked our presence on the moon.  We have been able to make quite a many imposibilities possible. But unfortunately, there are still many things that we as a society are struggling with.
Have you heard about mental health and mental health issues?
No, we do not mean to ask that have you met any mentally retarded person. Many stigmas like this are still associated with mental health issues. You do not need to whisper every time you see someone coming out from a mental health clinic.
At Skooc we are aimed at creating awareness relating to mental health and overcoming all the stigmas associated with discussing them or consulting a profession about it.
 
Conducting awareness programs on and around mental health is very important. Mental well-being is as important as physical well-being. Similarly just as we consult a physician whenever we feel we are not doing well physically we should not hesitate to seek guidance and counseling with therapists. They can help us with practical solutions to all our mental issues.
What are the stigmas in and around mental health?
Stereotypes and misconceptions- very often people generalise and mislead mental health issues. They very easily label such people as weak and think them to have a character flaw. They often perceive mental health patients as unsuitable to mix with and even isolate them. This is nothing but a result of stereotyping and misconceptions. It is just as if we say any kind of physical health issue is cancer. Does not make sense right? 
Fear and discrimination- there is a fear among people that if someone is dealing with mental health issues then they must be a threat to one’s safety. They also isolate the person saying they are unfit for socializing. Tags like weak, mad, and much more are associated with them. Due to all this people prefer to suffer in silence and never consult a professional.
Cultural and societal factors- media and our society portray mental health issues to be non-existent and just mere excuses for weaker individuals. Also, they often start seeing them differently and even make insensitive comments and jokes. This further affects the patients and even intensifies their problems.
It is the call of the hour that we get over these stigmas and provide a welcoming and helpful environment so that people can openly speak up about their issues and get over them. Thus top psychologists in Bangalore have started coming up with awareness sessions and vocalising and normalizing mental health issues.
How to break these stigmas?
Education and Awareness- the primary reason for the stigmas around mental health issues is that people do not have an idea about it. Also with little knowledge brews rumours. Thus it is important to spread more and more knowledge to avoid negativity and also so that the patients can identify their issues and also learn ways to address them.
Open dialogue- it is better to start at home the place where we spend most of our time. Encouraging open dialogues within families, in schools, colleges and in the workplace can help normalize mental health issues.  Also if we are familiar with such issues from the beginning then we will not be alien to the issue. Today many educational institutions and workplaces are promoting activities by conducting seminars and also creating dedicated vents where people can speak up about their issues. 
Empathy and compassion-  it is important to treat everyone with empathy and make people comfortable so they feel safe to open up about their issues and feel validated. We should make it a daily and normal practice to show compassion towards individuals who are dealing with mental health issues.  Offering support and encouragement to get over the trauma can prove very effective in helping people get over such a hard situation.
Language matters- it is important to continuously communicate without the use of any stigmas. One should speak with respect while addressing such issues. It is ok to not have much knowledge about a certain situation. It is not required to suggest an instant solution sometimes just being there is enough. Also, it is not just for others one can effectively overcome by oneself all they have to do is not be hard on oneself. It is better to not crib on why me and focus energy on how can i deal with it.
Advocacy and support- if you are someone who has overcome such issues or want to help others overcome such issues then you can try advocating for policies in organisations to actively take measures to promote a better understanding of such situations and facilitate practical solutions.
Our psychologists treat each of their clients with empathy and are always available to you for help. Be it teen counselling, relationship counselling or family counselling with us you can find best help for you and your loved ones.
