Today, more and more people seem to be talking about psychology, therapy and mental health.
This year the media has been extra generous in its portrayal of mental health issues. We've had multiple soap opera plot lines and docudramas detailing the life of the rich and bipolar as well as a vast array of celebrity 'meltdowns'. The lay man is enjoying an informed tour of mental health issues, from the comfort of his front room. Or is he?
Everyone can experience mental ill health- from the famed, to the less than famed; and if it's on the TV it must be ok. As the adverts would have us believe, that elephant in the room has been well and truly exposed, with famous faces around the world admitting to a mental health issue or confessing to using medication for said difficulty.
With all this in hand, one might guess that a girl about town of today's world would be more comfortable than ever before in sharing her own challenges. After all, Ms Wax does it, and makes many thousands at the West End doing so. So what does the research say on this?
As you reflect on these changes in media coverage over the last 18 months, you may find yourself not so pleasantly surprised to learn that according to research from campaigners at platform 51; A 3rd of women take anti-depressants in their life. Of those, a quarter take them for 10 years or more. And most worrying, 18% keep it a secret from their families. 1 in ten wouldn't even tell a partner.
Alternatively, I noticed that niche holistic approaches to mental health were increasing viewed as more acceptable. Twining's are even using the wellbeing concept as a marketing tool- to sell teabags! *After all it does seem more du jour to see an executive coach as opposed to a psychologist. And once you're in in the healthcare system, it's more acceptable to have a psychologist, than a psychiatrist. What is the perceived difference in this varying terminology, and why do treatments involving medications still have this stigma attached despite being so routinely prescribed?
Why is it that young women are reluctant to discuss the use of such medication for mental health difficulties? After all, sales of anti-depressants went up 45% over the last 4 years. That's 23 million prescriptions for anti-depressants a year.
Today's culture is increasingly driven by ambition and achievement; admitting to feeling low, stressed or anxious is just not a desirable option. One might be forgiven for concluding that it is socially acceptable for a celebrity to have a public breakdown or an overdose; But for the average woman of the world, to admit your finding life a bit stressful or god forbid admit that you just aren't coping-is just too much social pressure to bear.
A recent survey polled by the depression alliance suggests that women often report feeling ashamed to discuss mental health concerns with friends and family for fear of being judged, misunderstood or Labelled. It has been reported that young people in today's achievement oriented society can often feel a sense of failure, upon receiving anti-depressants; almost a last resort scenario when one cannot think of another way. And sometimes it is. But a last resort is still a choice and that in turn requires that one exercise initiative also.
People don't like to appear weak or inadequate. Seeking help and admitting that they are not feeling good can often be a real struggle as it interferes with one of our deepest fears - of taking up residence in... The out group! Accompanying this fear, is the common misconception that once you've moved into the 'out group', and experienced a mental health difficulty, you will have it/live there forever. This is a massive misconception that many mental health organisations have been campaigning to change.
Over the last ten years, I have been involved in a community project With Leading Mental Health Organisation Mind, and their talking therapies programme. We explore and promote the idea of mental wellbeing as belonging on a continuum. Where one might find themselves high or low or anywhere in-between. We have peaks and troughs, and the key here is-this is normal!
Our places on this scale can move up and down and round and round as often as you change your socks. After bereavement you may find yourself at a low ebb, near the lower end. Will you live there, at the lower end of wellbeing forever? No. probably not!
You may experience a great achievement and find yourself glowing at the highest heights- elated even. Will you be in a state of elation forever- probably not? The same concept applies to mental health issues. Diagnosis or no diagnosis.
Despite all the support and campaigning from organisations like MIND, RETHINK and TIME TO CHANGE It is surprisingly hard to be open about these things. Mental health disclosure takes on a more serious consequence when one explores the workplace: Medical records, insurance and selection criteria. But that kettle can wait for another day.
While some research suggests that women may hide their use of antidepressants in an effort to maintain positive self-concept and appearance both to themselves and to others. It is this very seeking of help that is an adaptive and indeed resilient behaviour. A courage which can only denote a strength of character present in one who is unwilling to settle for feeling less great- then they know they can feel, and deserve to feel.
So, let's each consider our own beliefs around mental health issues and the social stigma surrounding it! Mental health in our own personal real lives, the lives of our clients, the lives of our nearest and dearest and the lives of celebrities and those portrayed in the media - where is the heart of this stigma lying? Are collective attitudes towards ill mental health changing in line with their media presentation? - I'm not so sure, but every little helps right!
I recently watched an old black and white movie in which the leading lady flashed a little ankle and promptly pecked her dashing date on the cheek. A total shocker! She ran away bashful and shy with all those who saw tutting at her promiscuous and socially unkempt dallying.
Our attitudes and acceptance of new ways of behaving do and have changed with the passing of time. What was once a Rare, Risque1920's ankle flash has now become a plethora of raunchy music videos.
I think there may be hope for the subject of Ill Mental health yet.
Emma Mills BSc (Hons) Psych Dyp Hyp Runs a successfull wellbeing clinic in East London. She specialises in the entertainment and creative industries.
If you feel that your mind is becoming a barrier to your happiness and enjoyment of life, get in touch with Emma Mills today via her website, email or telephone and start making the changes you need, to live the lifestyle you deserve.
Areas of expertise include:
Depression
Anxiety & Panic
Social anxiety & Nerves
Break ups
Peak Performance among creatives
