Submission: Conversation around mental health must change

While tabling at the Enormous Activities Fair for “All of Us: A Campaign to Rethink Mental Health,” I asked several people what the first thing that came to their mind was when I said “mental health.”

Unfortunately, most answers to that question included “disorder,” “disability,” “disease,” “insanity,” “craziness,” “suicide” and “depression.” Most of these responses gave evidence to the fact that mental health is very stigmatized.

There is a widespread assumption that mental health issues only involve serious mental illnesses and that anyone experiencing mental health issues is insane and is going to commit suicide. All of these negative connotations attached to mental health are extremely damaging not only to people who experience mental health issues, but also to our society as a whole.

The perpetuation of false stereotypes involving mental health issues pushes people to feel ashamed, scared or guilty about having mental health problems when, in fact, all of us have mental health; mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Furthermore, mental health and mental illnesses are definitely not something to be ashamed of, as they are both beyond our control. People going through mental illnesses simply cannot control their thoughts and feelings and manipulate the state of their mental health.

Very common causes of mental health struggles are biological factors, such as genes, physical illnesses, brain chemistry, neurotransmitter levels and the fluctuation of hormones. Other potential causes of mental health problems include traumatic experiences and life events.

Individuals who are experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety or a mental illness usually feel too guilty and embarrassed to share their experiences, lest they be labeled as “crazy.” This could further deteriorate their mental health as they do not seek the resources and help that they need. Not seeking help can be particularly damaging, as mental health is not visible in one’s outward appearance like physical health and well-being are. Therefore, it can be difficult to assess when exactly someone is experiencing mental health problems or a mental illness.

For all these reasons, all of us need to reshape the conversation surrounding mental health first on our campus and then in our larger communities. We need to detach the negative stereotypes and dismantle the false stigma attached to mental health and mental illnesses.

“All of Us” is a mental health campaign founded by the USAC Office of the President and the Student Wellness Commission to revitalize the way mental health is viewed and treated on the UCLA campus and within the surrounding community through awareness, education and advocacy.

Visit www.allofus.care to learn more about the campaign and how you may get involved.

Alirani is a third-year bioengineering student.