Take a moment to reflect on your mental health. What do you personally think about mental health?
Given the state of today's access to technology, including internet and social media, the topic of mental health has become more mainstream. Even with it becoming more widely discussed, many still have certain preconceived stigmas or views on mental health, such as it is for "crazy" or financially-secure folxs. This is definitely not true.
Mental health impacts everyone regardless of ability, economic status, ethnicities, etc. People who dismiss others as "crazy" often dehumanize them and their struggles. Financially-secure folxs certainly have more resources they are aware of and easier access to treatment for their mental health needs (Foster & O'Mealey, 2022). Often, financially-insecure folxs do not have the privilege to be aware of or access to basic mental health treatment. This does not mean they do not struggle with their mental health; it means they may not have the capacity to be aware how specific feelings cannot simply be explained away by daily working life struggles. If anything, there has been studies showing those within lower socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to struggle with their mental health (Reiss et al., 2019). In addition, it has been shown low SES is a risk factor for mental illness (Hudson, 2005).
There are numerous reasons why mental health matters and needs to be addressed accordingly. One of the most important reasons is suicidality. The rate of suicide has been gradually increasing over time. It is the second leading cause of death in those from ages 10-14 and 25-34 (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2024). Sadly, there is almost double the amount of suicides compared to homicides within the US (NIMH, 2024).
The more we avoid and not address suicidality does not mean it will go away. In reality, the more we speak about mental health and related struggles, it makes folxs feel less isolated in the struggles. In turn, it decreases the likelihood of suicide and increases the chances of the person feeling supported/seen (Sharma, 2021). You can change someone's life, including your own by simply being present.
At the end of the day, remember there is help you can access by calling 988. It is okay to ask for help. It may feel like things will not get better; it might not right away. All you need to do is get through one moment at a time. You are worthy because you exist. No matter what anyone says you will be missed. There is only one You in this world. Please take care of yourself.
Stay tuned. The next topic is "Change is Hard."
Written by Elena Duong, Psy.D.
Edited by Susanna La, Ph.D.
References:
Foster, S., & O'Mealey, M. (2022). Socioeconomic status and mental illness stigma: the impact of mental illness controllability attributions and personal responsibility judgments. Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England), 31(1), 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1875416
Hudson, C. (2005). Socioeconomic Status and Mental Illness: Tests of the Social Causation and Selection Hypotheses. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 75(1), 3–18. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/ort-7513.pdf
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
Reiss, F., Meyrose, A. K., Otto, C., Lampert, T., Klasen, F., & Ravens-Sieberer, U. (2019). Socioeconomic status, stressful life situations and mental health problems in children and adolescents: Results of the German BELLA cohort-study. PloS one, 14(3), e0213700. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213700
Sharma, P. (2021). 8 common myths about suicide. Mayo Clinic Health System: Speaking of Health. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/8-common-myths-about-suicide
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