Why do we treat mental health issues differently from physical ailments? May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding mental health, educating the public, and advocating for equitable care. Attn: released a compelling video for MHAM that illustrates the outdated views many hold towards mental health treatment.
The video, which has amassed 22 million views since its release, creatively demonstrates how bizarre it would be to respond to someone with a physical injury in the same dismissive manner often directed at those with mental health conditions. The opening scene features a man who collides with a tree, injuring his face, and his friend responds with, “Please don’t complain, you’ll ruin the vibe.” Another scene depicts a man in a wheelchair with a broken leg, being told, “It’s like you’re not even trying to walk.” When he suffers from a severe migraine and takes medication, he is met with the remark, “You take meds for that?”
Anyone who has faced mental health struggles—whether it be anxiety, depression, or PTSD—has likely encountered similar dismissive comments. Phrases like “Your attitude sucks,” “Others have it worse,” “You’re fine, just toughen up,” or “You just need to choose happiness” only serve to belittle their experiences.
Each year, millions of Americans contend with mental health conditions. According to Newsweek, approximately “42.5 million American adults, or 18.2 percent of the adult population, suffer from a mental illness, facing challenges like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that around 9.3 million adults, about 4 percent of those aged 18 and older, experience “serious mental illness,” which significantly impairs their daily activities.
Just because mental illness is not as visible as physical ailments doesn’t mean it is any less real. Those suffering are in pain, much like individuals with physical injuries, and they deserve support. The University of Washington states that over 90 percent of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder, often stemming from untreated or inadequately managed depression. It is crucial to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and offer support to those in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a trusted individual or seek help from professionals. For more information on fertility and support during challenging times, check out this resource on fertility boosters for men. Additionally, exploring insights from the Dalai Lama can provide guidance on mental wellness. For more information on assisted reproductive techniques, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource.
In summary, it is vital to recognize mental health conditions with the same seriousness as physical illnesses. The stigma must be broken, and understanding should prevail to support those suffering in silence.