No Longer Suffering In Silence: Creating Safe Spaces To Talk About Mental Health
The article below uses the term “suffering” in the context of people who are experiencing mental health challenges in silence. A person may have a mental illness without “suffering” from it, but this language is used by some to describe how common it is for individuals to experience mental health challenges without feeling able to speak openly about them or seek help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five US adults experiences a mental illness every year. Despite the millions of people currently living with a mental disorder, many continue to “suffer in silence,” or feel like they’re not able to reach out for support. The reasons for this may vary, but one of the most common is stigma. Stigma may give people distorted ideas about mental health that keep them from getting the help they deserve. Here, we’ll discuss why people might remain silent about their mental health challenges and ways to create safe spaces for individuals to openly discuss mental health.
Statistics about stigma surrounding mental illness
Stigma also affects young people. The same survey indicates that, while Gen Z individuals tend to be more open to discussing mental health, 37% of them report falsely believing that those who seek help are “mentally weak.” Seeking mental health support is actually a sign of strength, but the stigma persists.
Other reasons people may “suffer in silence”
Many people choose not to talk about their mental health challenges out of fear of what others might think. Even people who feel empathy for those who experience a mental illness may struggle to seek help themselves. They may be nervous that their friends, family members, partner, someone they’re dating might see them differently after learning of their struggles, even if there’s no evidence to support this fear.
How to fight mental health stigma
Regardless of the reasons that a person may remain silent about their mental health challenges, there are ways to create spaces for connection and openness with regards to mental health. The following are some tips that may encourage more open dialogue about this topic.
Speak up when you encounter stigma
Stigma is often perpetuated in subtle, unintended ways, so it can help to speak up when you notice it. For example, if you see a meme or joke online that contributes to stigma about depression or another mental illness, you might consider contacting the person who posted it. To avoid shaming the person, you can reach out to them via direct message to express your concerns.
Advocate for mental health services at work or school
Another way to promote openness surrounding emotional well-being is to advocate for mental health support services at work or school. For example, you might attend any on-site workshops that teach mental health skills and ask human resources or faculty if there are mental health services available to employees or students, respectively.
Discuss your own mental health journey
If you’re comfortable, discussing your own mental health journey may also be helpful. If you don’t want to reveal information about a specific mental health challenge or condition, you can still speak up about seeing a therapist to help normalize the therapy process. Other people may feel encouraged to get help if they find out that others around them see a therapist.
When to seek mental health support
Everyone should feel empowered to seek the support of a therapist at any time. It's usually recommended that you meet with this type of provider if you're experiencing potential symptoms of a mental illness, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or any other—especially if they’ve started interfering with your daily life. However, a therapist can also help a person navigate grief, build self-esteem, learn to cultivate healthy relationships, process past trauma, and cope with life challenges in a positive way.
Getting mental health support for depression and other challenges
If you’ve been experiencing mental health concerns on your own, you might consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional for support. Most therapists are used to seeing people who are reaching out for the first time and will typically engage with compassion and care. A licensed therapist can ease you into the therapy process and guide you through it at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Online support to end “suffering in silence”
Some people may feel hesitant to speak with a mental health professional in person, whether because of stigma or some other reason. If this is the case for you, know that you can still receive support via online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist remotely, via audio, video, or live chat, at times that work for you.
You can also reach out to your therapist at any time through in-app messaging and they’ll respond as soon as they can. This feature means that you don’t have to suffer in silence throughout the week. You can communicate your concerns in the moment instead of waiting until the next session.
In addition to offering various modes of communication, online therapy has robust support in the psychological literature. In one review, for example, researchers suggest that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for treating symptoms of various mental health conditions, including depression, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder. People sometimes remain silent when experiencing these and other conditions, but online therapy means that people can comfortably receive support when they need it from home or anywhere they have an internet connection
Takeaway
How can you tell if someone is suffering in silence with mental health concerns?
While you may not always be able to tell if someone in your life is living with a mental illness, you may notice certain signs that they might be experiencing some type of mental health challenge. For example, in some cases, an individual may engage in less social interaction than before or spend less time doing activities they once enjoyed. In this case, it can be helpful to really hear them when they talk to try and understand how they’re feeling, and to then gently encourage them to seek support.
Can you notice depression or another mental illness?
Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose major depression and other mental disorders. However, some possible signs that loved ones might notice include fatigue, significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns, persistent sadness, and irritability.
Why do people suffer in silence?
Some people may remain silent about emotional challenges out of feelings of shame, which may be related to false ideas spread about mental health. They may fear the risk of being judged by family, friends, or colleagues if they seek mental health support.
How do you help someone who is suffering in silence?
Letting the person know that you are there for them and willing to listen can be helpful. If they are open to it, you may also assist them in seeking professional support or exploring other options. Encouraging them to engage in activities that used to bring them joy or doing those activities with them may also be beneficial.
Why is it not okay to suffer in silence?
Suffering in silence may exacerbate the pain you are experiencing over time. Reaching out for professional help or letting a loved one know what you’re experiencing can be the first step forward.
What causes someone to suffer in silence?
Some individuals may suffer in silence because they believe they must hide their problems to be accepted by others. Others may feel ashamed of their challenges and believe the best option is to simply “deal with them” on their own. Loneliness and a lack of support are other potential reasons why a person may suffer in silence.
What is the silent struggle of mental health?
Often, mental health challenges go unseen, leading them to be known as “silent struggles.” Mental health difficulties can often be hidden or masked, but that doesn’t make them any less impactful to those who live with them.
Do people with depression isolate themselves?
Many people with depression isolate themselves and withdraw from social relationships. This isolation often stems from feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and apathy, which can all be symptoms of depression.
What happens if you suffer in silence?
Suffering in silence often prolongs the struggles a person is facing. Pretending you are fine when you aren’t can prevent you from getting the help and support you deserve.
Why do people with depression suffer in silence?
Some people may not realize that there are words to describe what they are experiencing. They may not know that treatment is available and can be very effective. Others may resist seeking help due to internalized stigma or negative beliefs about mental health and therapy. Still others may fear judgment or lack the resources to start therapy.
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