Mental health stigma: Even most reliable vehicle needs tune up

Getting help. Talking to an expert. Seeking support. When we talk about doing these things in terms of seeking the help of plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and carpenters, there is little judgement about the people doing the reaching out.

After all, they are seeking the help of skilled professionals to help fix problems the seeker may not know how to fix themselves. Broken pipes? Call a plumber. Car making a funny sound? Call a mechanic. These things seem routine. However, we hear very little discussion about reaching out to a counselor, therapist, or doctor for mental health care.

This is judgement of those struggling with mental health is called stigma. There is a negative idea that exists about those that require the mental health care only a mental health care professional can offer. Often times, those seeking help are stigmatized as being weak, lazy, or unwilling to help themselves. The reality is the brain is an organ, much like any other organ in the human body, and sometimes it does not work as well as it should. Sometimes there are external factors that impact the brain: poverty, environmental stress, lack of family support, and more; and sometimes, there are internal factors that impact the brain: chemical imbalance, genetics, health problems, and so on. So if you will go to a doctor to treat diabetes or high blood pressure (both of these medical illnesses are also influenced by both internal and external factors), why not seek a professional to treat mental illness?

Here in Western Oklahoma, we are known for our rugged individualism and our strength against adversity. We have that “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality – but no man (or woman!) is an island. When times get tough, when we feel alone or isolated or misunderstood, who can we lean on? Often times friends and family are uncomfortable discussing such things, or doing so can harm the relationship. That is where mental health professionals come in. They offer validated, reliable, confidential, and expert services to those who need help.

Mental health professionals are trained to treat such illnesses as substance use disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and many other brain-related issues. Licensed professionals have masters degrees and undergo years of supervision, are required to pass a state licensure exam, and get yearly continuing education credits to be allowed to practice. Most adhere to strict ethical codes that allow them to provide the best treatment possible for each individual.

Whether you feel as if one more straw may break the camel’s back, or that you’ve been treading water for far too long, a mental health professional can help you find your strength and resilience. They can support you while you learn new coping skills and problem-solving skills to tackle this sometimes very tumultuous life.

There are local mental health professionals available to you whether you do an online search, ask your medical doctor for a referral, or hear about them by word of mouth. Often, services are available on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay or are covered by health insurance.

Our brains are the engines for our bodies, and occasionally even the most reliable vehicle needs a tune up. Please take care of your mental health and support others when they seek the help of a mental health professional.

Sarah Mears-Ivy brings 13 years of experience in the field of human sciences and advocacy.