September is Suicide Prevention Month. During this time, a great way to spread awareness and promote well-being is by checking in on others. A simple conversation with someone can make all the difference in someone’s mental health.
The stigma around mental health issues has been prevalent for years with the rhetoric around mental health conditions surrounded by shame. However, in the last few years, the way mental health is discussed and portrayed has taken a turn for the better.
Advocacy for mental health has seen a surge on social media, in schools and overall language. According to the National Library of Medicine, advocacy is needed for the battle against stigma. Although advocacy is improving and reducing stigma, is seeking help easier and accessible?
According to the Department of Behavioral Health, one in five children and adolescents have a mental health condition. Despite the high number of individuals affected, seeking help can be difficult. The stigma around mental health is part of the equation, as well as rising therapy costsand a fear of seeming “weak.”
Not only can seeking help be shameful, but it can also affect an individual's view of themselves. Finding effective help can be a long process and making that first step towards seeking therapy or counseling can feel burdensome or shameful. Often the fear of reaching out comes from not wanting to bother other people, or feeling like they will not care. However, The Stanford Report notes that the exact opposite is true: people want to make a difference in others' lives and are happy to help.
Creating a space for friends and family to feel comfortable speaking about issues that are plaguing them is one powerful way to help others. It seems simple, but checking in on friends should be a daily routine. Asking “Are you okay?” not only promotes mental health safety but is also a good tool for maintaining long-term relationships. Simply reminding people that they can talk about anything can open up a discussion about mental health if a person needs it.
When checking in on friends, the most important role is that of a listener. Simply sitting and not speaking while someone talks about their own feelings or thoughts promotes a healthy avenue for well-being. The role of the person who checks in is not to fix or reassure another but rather to provide them with the opportunity to vent. Be prepared to be emotionally present.
Gentle communication is also a key factor in checking in on people. Forcing someone to open up will have the opposite effects of promoting safety. Instead, focus on speaking genuinely and kindly. Another key thing to know when reaching out to someone is to keep what is said private. Spreading information about another person’s mental health struggles is not only wrong, but also entirely unhelpful.
Four key signs signal a friend may need a check-in. Thema Bryant, president of the American Psychological Association noted to CNBC to look out for: a friend disappearing, being more irritable than usual and engaging in self-destructive or self-defeating talk. Noticing these initial signs could mean a check-in is due. Send a text or make a call letting someone know you love and care about them. Offer a listening ear and be prepared to provide a safe space for someone to talk.
Making that initial step can have a huge positive effect, it helps battle the mental health stigma, provides a safe place and encourages open communication about struggles.
Being the change in the world is as simple as that. Tell people you love them sincerely and often and check up on friends and neighbors. A small gesture of care can make a difference in someone’s life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, call or text 988 for support or contact the NAMI helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Find OU’s mental health resources through Counseling and Psychological Services.
Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.
