Relationships October 10, 2016
In today’s media, mental illnesses are portrayed in diverse ways. Men and women with social anxiety are often dismissed as just “shy,” “antisocial” or a “loner.” People with bipolar disorder are characterized as aggressive or dangerous. Women with postnatal depression are misunderstood as ungrateful or as “bad mothers.”
These images, however, do not encompass the difficulties and realities associated with mental illnesses. Thus, World Mental Health day is observed every October tenth in order to, as the World Health Organization writes, “[raise] awareness of mental health issues around the world and [mobilize] efforts in support of mental health.”
From Demi Lovato to J.K. Rowling to Lady Gaga, many celebrities have already opened up against the stigmas associated with mental illnesses. Demi Lovato, for instance, has struggled with bipolar disorder, bulimia and anorexia. After seeking treatment, she has since become a mental health advocate and has founded a nonprofit organization, Be Vocal, to fight for improved mental health conditions in America.
Other groups, such as The Huffington Post UK, are also doing what they can to raise awareness. In order to commemorate World Mental Health Day today, they created the video above of mothers sharing their personal stories of postnatal depression. One mother shares, “I felt so tired that I couldn’t take care of myself and having this baby to take care of was terrible for me. But the worst feeling was that I didn’t feel considered any more as a person or as a woman.”
According England’s National Health Service, postnatal depression affects more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. But, similar to other mental health conditions, not many people talk about their condition because they feel ashamed.
Watch the video above to learn more about postnatal depression and visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental health conditions. If you need some advice on how to support a loved one with a mental illness, you can also read Natalie Cahill’s “How to Offer Support to a Mentally Ill Friend or Family Member.”
