Have healthier conversations about mental health

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Why is it easy to say you have a stomach ache, but difficult to say you are feeling anxious? Why is it easier to talk about having a health condition like diabetes or heart disease, but hard to talk about having bipolar disorder or depression?

The answer is mental health stigma. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stigma happens when people are viewed negatively for having a specific characteristic. Mental health stigma refers to the social disapproval attached to mental health conditions and the discrimination that people who have them may experience.

How does stigma affect mental health?

Despite being highly treatable, stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health often prevent people from seeking help or treatment.

In fact, more than 54 percent of people with a mental health condition are not receiving treatment – most likely because of shame and stigma. Here are other harmful ways stigma can affect mental health:

Creates a lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers and others
Increases social isolation
Leads to poor housing or trouble finding housing
Results in fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities

Don't let stigma stop you from seeking treatment

Wellmark is here to support both your mental and physical health. Wellmark members can easily access mental health resources on myWellmark^® like confidential anxiety or depression screenings, 1:1 support from Wellmark Case Management and more. Log in to get started.

How to have healthier conversations about mental health

There is no better time than now to change the conversation around mental health. Keep these guidelines in mind when talking about mental health with a friend or loved one.

Choose language that helps, not hurts

Simple phrases like “work is driving me crazy” or “she’s being bipolar” may seem innocent, but for those facing mental health challenges, they’re anything but harmless. This type of language can be hurtful and cause people to feel alone or ashamed. It can even reinforce stigmas that keep them from getting the help they need.

Be open to talking about mental health

By being open to discussing mental health conditions, there’s an opportunity to reduce stigma by acknowledging shared challenges. Practice active listening and refrain from judgement when someone is confiding in you about their mental health.

Use stigma-reducing language

When we define the mental health condition and not the person, we help reduce the stigma for those seeking support and treatment. For example, instead of saying someone is mentally ill, say they are a person living with a mental health challenge or, if the person prefers, use their diagnosis (for example, major depressive disorder). Challenge yourself to use person-first language to put focus on the individual and not their disorder or diagnosis.

Educate yourself and others

The spread of misinformation and a general lack of education regarding mental health contributes greatly to mental health stigma. Taking the time to educate yourself and others about specific mental health conditions and substance use disorders can help reduce stigma and make talking about mental health easier for those who are struggling.

Talking about mental health with your child

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children and teens age 10- 24 years old. Some people worry that talking about suicide with their child will put the idea in their head — but that’s not true. In fact, research shows that open, honest conversations about suicide can actually reduce the risk. When children and teens feel safe to talk about their thoughts and emotions, they’re more likely to seek help and feel supported.

Talking about mental health with your child might sound daunting, but it’s time to start the conversation. Here’s how you can approach conversations about mental health with your child:

Have the conversation at a safe time and place. Ask your child if they feel up to talking and have the conversation when they are ready. It’s best to have these conversations in a private space with minimal distractions when you’re both feeling calm.

Be straightforward. Share your observations with your child and be honest with them about what the conversation is about. It’s also important to speak to your child in an age-appropriate manner — avoid talking down to teenagers or using overly-complex language with young children.

Lead with questions. Ask your child open-ended questions that will give them the space to steer the conversation. Having questions prepared will also show your child that you genuinely want to understand them and know what they are feeling.

Practice active listening and patience. Listen intently to what your child is saying and watch their reactions to know when they are uncomfortable or confused. Avoid interrupting or changing the subject before your child is ready to move on to another topic.

Expanding mental health support for young Iowans and South Dakotans

The conditions in which we live, learn, work and play impact our health long before we ever see a doctor. That’s why the Wellmark Foundation is focusing on addressing the factors that prevent people from living long, healthy lives — like the youth mental health crisis.

From behavioral health grants for rural Iowa schools, to career development and educational programming for communities with low high school graduation rates, the Wellmark Foundation is making an impact. Through hard work and collaboration, the Wellmark Foundation and our community partners are working to foster an environment that supports youth mental health and success.

Learn more about the Wellmark Foundation and our commitment to improving the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans.

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