{"id":19968,"date":"2022-11-10T10:48:42","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T15:48:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=19968"},"modified":"2026-08-14T06:32:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T11:32:29","slug":"how-can-we-normalize-talking-about-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-can-we-normalize-talking-about-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can We Normalize Talking About Mental Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nearly 53 million American adults<\/span><\/a> experience mental health issues every year. That represents 1 in every 5 people, so chances are\u00a0 you know someone struggling with mental illness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Estimates suggest <\/span>nearly 4% of adults<\/span><\/a> across the globe struggle with depression, which accounts for 280 million people. <\/span>The most severe outcome of depression is suicide.\u00a0<\/span>More than 700,000 people<\/a> around the world lose their lives to suicide every year. It has\u00a0 become a leading cause of death for teens and young adults, <\/span>claiming 130 lives<\/span><\/a> in the United States every single day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For all of these reasons, mental health awareness is important for saving lives.<\/p>\n

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The stigma surrounding mental illness<\/h2>\n

Outdated ideas<\/a> about mental illness makes it exceedingly difficult for people to get help or talk about it. Media depictions and historic interpretations have created a negative stigma surrounding mental illness\u2014perpetuating stereotypes and a general <\/span>misunderstanding of what having a mental illness really means.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though these stereotypes are untrue for most people, they still impact the way society views mental illness, which by default, also distorts the way people who have mental illness view themselves through a phenomenon called <\/span>self-stigma<\/span><\/a>. They may struggle with self-stigma and develop negative thoughts about themselves related to their mental illness\u2014despite knowing the stigma may not represent their own experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest issues with both types of stigma is that it may prevent people who have mental illness from getting the help they need. More than half of US adults<\/a> experiencing mental health issues don’t receive help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With so many people grappling with mental illness, opening the lines of communication may help.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to talk about mental health<\/h2>\n

Talking thoughtfully about mental health is one of the best ways to fight against stigma around mental illness. Starting the conversation with family and friends is a natural first step, but it can still be nerve-wracking. Even with the best of intentions, it\u2019s easy to fumble your words when discussing mental illness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Talking about mental health is a lot easier when you have the right tools. Here are some things to keep in mind as you embark on these vital conversations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Start the conversation with someone you trust<\/h2>\n

If you’ve never talked about mental health before, we recommend starting by talking to someone you trust. That can be a family member, a close friend, or even a romantic partner. Just make sure it\u2019s someone you feel comfortable being vulnerable with and who has been supportive of you in the past. This will make it easier to be honest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not ready to discuss mental health with a friend or family member, you can also begin the conversation with your <\/span>primary care doctor<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019re equipped to discuss complex physical and mental health issues with their patients, and they can refer you to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other specialist if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve had these first conversations about mental health with people you trust, hopefully you will find it easier to open up in other settings. Requesting accommodations in the workplace or explaining your personal limitations is a lot easier once you\u2019re more comfortable discussing mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Be aware of your language<\/h2>\n

The way you discuss mental health is just as important as having these conversations in the first place. It’s important to use people-first language, which<\/span> humanizes anyone who has a mental illness. For example, it’s better to say, “a person who has schizophrenia,\u201d instead of referring to someone as \u201cschizophrenic.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing your words carefully helps reduce stigma about mental illness and other health conditions one conversation at a time. You can find more information about people first language on the <\/span>CDC’s website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Educate yourself<\/h2>\n

Another way you can help reduce negative stigmas surrounding mental illness and facilitate open, honest conversations is to learn more. By understanding the nuances of different conditions, you can go forward through the world with more empathy, towards yourself and others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Know where to go for help<\/h2>\n

Whether you have a mental illness yourself or you have a loved one who does, it\u2019s important that you know where to get help. If you have a friend who is struggling, you can refer them to a therapist. If you are in need of help, you can start with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a <\/span>psychiatrist or other medical provider.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Technology is also making it easier to get discreet help through the <\/span>Suicide and Crisis Hotline<\/span><\/a>. You can call 988 to get help any time of the day or night if you\u2019re contemplating suicide. And you can always call 911 to get immediate help for yourself or a loved one who is at risk for suicide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Practice compassion and empathy<\/h2>\n

Whether you have a mental illness yourself or you know someone who does, the best way to break down the stigma is to practice compassion and empathy. Be kind to yourself and make time to have these hard conversations. Make sure your friends and loved ones know you’re there for them when things get tough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Be a role model<\/h2>\n

Choosing your language carefully, checking in to see how others are doing, and setting aside time for these difficult conversations can reduce negative stigma about mental illness in your social circles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While you may not be able to change the world overnight, every thoughtful conversation brings us one step closer to a kinder, more inclusive planet.<\/span><\/p>\n