BLANCK MAGAZINE ( THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE) Blanck Lite- THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE | Page 27

ATISING
HEALTH
L PREJUDICE WORLDWIDE
Aby Odusola
, integration, autonomy, a true perception
ionships and environmental adaptability.
nd untouched by life’s challenges, it is also
ng a wholesome life takes some doing and
e who are floundering due to no fault of
l disorders are perceived have widely dif-
ects which has further hindered a general
ions and discouraged any hope of full re-
nternet has alarmingly created a surge in
cyber bullying and other forms of mass
et and media. More victims that fall prey
et” victims who unfortunately battle their
ing shunned or misunderstood. They get
obvious in their daily interactions, then
the disdain from strangers and pity from
f these negatively reinforce their ill health
ngst a lot of people, but it doesn’t need to
of the stigma”- Prince Harry.
World Health Organization (WHO) just
ve the goal of the Comprehensive Mental
this plan will be feasible if there are com-
nce with mental health policies, laws and
b society’s excesses with the interference
of cultural and religious beliefs in diagnoses and treatment of the mentally ill,
bringing the global society to heel with one grand plan. However this may be
viewed, mental challenges have been proven to be successfully combated only
in a stigma-free environment and with positive reinforcement and support.
There is an active campaign by mental health organizations and so-themed
NGOs that calls for a collective responsibility that includes everyone, even
people who may not suffer from the condition. The aim is preventive, to build
a stable and safe community where victims can get proper help and others who
develop symptoms find their way back to normalcy.
In spite of all these developments, the psychological battle for wellness gets
more challenging every day. Robin Williams was an American comedian and
actor who spent a great part of his life giving joy to others with his craft and
eventually lost the battle to depression in 2014. Beyonce, the most accom-
plished woman in popular music talks about her struggles with depression,
Lady Gaga struggles with depression and anxiety, Jennifer Lawrence, Sia, J.K
Rowling, Mel B and several others. Male celebrities like Prince Harry, Dwayne
Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Logic amongst many others are also unceasingly
vocal about the dangers of stigma and the need to create a healthier mental
environment.
As much as a mentally healthy environment is a collective responsibility, so are
mental health struggles an individual’s challenge. Some face way more than
they let on. The key to declaring war against the stigma is to share that bur-
den, spread love and positivity and keep the conversation open. The future is
brighter than we’d hoped.
27 / BLANCKLITE / OCT 2018 / www.blanckdigital.com