Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, recently delivered a supportive message for people facing stigmatization associated with mental health.
“Both William and I have seen that many young people are struggling to cope with the impact of bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown and more,” Middleton said. “Without support, the effects of these challenges can be traumatic, leading to serious issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and self harm. A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support,” she says.
The Duchess’ empowering words highlight the need for emotional and therapeutic services for people struggling with mental health illnesses. She urged people to treat mental conditions in a similar manner to physical issues. Mental health conditions are medical conditions, and should be treated as such with care, empathy and support for proper recovery and healing.
This form of education and advocacy sheds light into the negative stereotypes that hinder people from obtaining the help they need. Through open conversations and greater understanding, this message can help ensure that attitudes towards mental health change, so that people are able to receive the support they deserve.
The Duchess’ encouragement to talk openly about mental health highlights the issue of external social stigma, which is characterized by prejudicial attitudes and discriminating behavior directed towards individuals with mental health problems; and self-stigma, which is the internalizing of people experiencing mental health problems due to feelings of shame or negative self-perception. Stigma doesn’t just come from others. Many people may mistakenly believe that their mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness, or that they should be able to control symptoms without help.
By encouraging people to seek professional treatment, increasing awareness about conditions, and championing empathy, as many people experience similar mental health illnesses and conditions, the Duchess’ message encourages self-esteem and helps people overcome destructive self-judgment. Knowledge of what mental health stigma is and how it affects people experiencing it can help pave the route towards recovery.
It is wonderful to see that this kind of positive attention has most recently turned to developing ways in which negative stereotypes and discrimination can be reduced. A more open and accepting approach in identifying the need to address mental health conditions is a breath of fresh air that welcomes encouragement and hope for overall well-being.
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