Play a role in a loved one's recovery.
Did you know that social support plays a key role in mental health and mental illness recovery? That's why it's essential to destigmatize talking about our mental health, and to encourage open conversations with friends and family. Instead of waiting for loved ones who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out, consider "reaching in."
For people with mental health issues, the social stigma and discrimination they experience can make their problems worse, making it harder to recover. It may cause the person to avoid getting the help they need because of the fear of being stigmatized. Avoid stigmatizing people with mental illness by seeing the person first and not labelling them by their mental illness. You can help challenge stigma by speaking up when you hear people around you make negative or wrong comments about mental illness.
To take better care of each other, we need to end the mental health stigma.
For people with mental health issues, the social stigma and discrimination they experience can make their problems worse, making it harder to recover. It may cause the person to avoid getting the help they need because of the fear of being stigmatized. Avoid stigmatizing people with mental illness by seeing the person first and not labelling them by their mental illness. You can help challenge stigma by speaking up when you hear people around you make negative or wrong comments about mental illness.
To take better care of each other, we need to end the mental health stigma.
1. Learn more first.
Not sure what to say when you have the first talk? Take a moment to learn the basics on emotions, symptoms and treatment options. Learn more here.
2. Watch out for stigma.
Remind yourself that mental illness is a lot like physical illness, and it's not their fault.
3. Give encouragement.
Listen more, talk less. Ask open-ended questions and encourage sharing.
4. Offer support and empathy.
Provide support and informed guidance, not advice. (Advice should come from mental health professionals.)
5. Meet them "where they're at"
Ask your loved one if they're comfortable talking about their mental health. If they need more time, assure them that you're there for them and check in from time to time.
We know that talking about your feelings can be hard. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the NCMH 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 0917-899-8727 or (02) 7-989-8727. To learn more about resources, click here.