The stigma around mental health has a long history, and you will probably be surprised to know that even today, there are many parts of the world where mental health ailments are thought to be the mark of the devil or as possible signs of moral punishments. This is why, in the past, the treatment of mental illnesses had not always been based on science but on inhumane acts. 

The stigma around mental health has generally developed over the years due to a lack of understanding and knowledge. The stigmatization of mental illness has contributed to poorer mental health outcomes and delayed treatments. It has also reduced the chances that a person with mental illness will receive proper treatment.  

Today, fortunately, the modern world sees a slight decline in the stigma that surrounds mental health. However, a lot is still not understood, and mental health dilemmas remain a part of our world. 

Our mental health is not just a mere part of our life; it influences and gets influenced by all aspects of our life, including personal, professional, spiritual, physical, and emotional. As the field of mental health is still tainted by age-old ideologies that make no real sense, a lot of uncertainty remains around the subject. Here are 5 things no one tells you about your mental health. 

1. Talking about your problem will not solve your mental health issue

One of the leading causes of mental health illness is nervous system dysregulation and not being aware of our emotions. Talking about our problems may help us feel better for the moment, but it might trigger us too. For some, cutting past the talking and just noticing what is showing up in the present is actually faster and more healing. One’s emotions are stored in the body and we need to learn how to feel our emotions to heal them. Talk therapy relies on using more a top-down approach, but many find a more bottom up approach to be far more healing. It’s hard, but it is important for them to get out of their heads and into their bodies.

You are completely normal if you feel talk therapy is not for you. Healing is not one size fits all, and people must open themselves to other modalities for healing. For some, just psychotherapy and counseling isn’t an effective way to manage mental health, and according to a 2015 meta-analysis, the effectiveness of talk therapy is overestimated. Healing happens in the present and in the body, therefore exploring other options such as internal family systems (IFS), somatic, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, music therapy, neurotherapy or Neurofeedback are worth exploring. If you find traditional talk therapy ineffective, exploring other mental health treatments is highly recommended.

2. It’s okay if you don’t remember your past

It is true that remembering the past and reframing old and limiting beliefs is an empowering feeling, but that is not possible for many people as they do not remember their past. That could either be due to suppression of memories or just plain forgetfulness. Either way, that’s perfectly fine, as in order to heal, remembering your past is not necessary. Your current behavior exposes a lot of your issues and gives a clear picture of where you are struggling. Focusing on the present and fixing it can prove to be equally fruitful as digging into the past and finding potential solutions to current problems. 

3. Many of us have unprocessed trauma that impacts us

Trauma could be any event or experience that leaves you feeling distressed, and a lot of times, it is not always something major like sexual abuse, war, or the death of a loved one. Sometimes even small events like an accident, event of bullying, a breakup, losing a friend, or moving to a new place can be a source of trauma and have a negative impact on life. These small traumatic events can magnify mental health instability and need to be processed for healing. 

4. Good mental health takes a village

Like the legendary Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, human beings are social animals. And that fact rings true, especially when we are having a hard time. Social support is an essential component of strong mental health, and a healthy mind is possible with a healthy society. Good mental health has its roots in the community and is not just a unilateral responsibility of the individual. It is extremely important to surround yourself with people, things, and technology that is good for your brain, heart, and body. 

More than just good friends and family, pay attention to the media or social media you consume, the movies you watch, the music you listen to, and everything you consume through your five senses. That is what dominates your thought process. 

5. Your brain lies to you

Your brain is a liar. It makes assumptions that have no connection with fact or truth. It draws conclusions from fear and can be easily manipulated by external factors like social cues and the media you consume. However, many people fall prey to the deceit of their brains and think that their thoughts are the hard truth when they are merely just thoughts influenced by past experiences, personal biases, and perceptions about the world. Learning to become aware of your thoughts and not trust them is important for your overall mental wellbeing. 

Wrapping Up

Mental health is an integral part of overall health and wellbeing. Contrary to popular belief, mental health and social well-being are just as important as physical health. And mental health is a lot more than just the absence of mental health-related issues. 

The future of mental health is debunking the negative stigma around it and accepting it as a part of total health. Humans must learn to embrace it as an essential component of complete wellbeing. Our head, heart, and body must perform in cognition and in harmony in order to work in the right manner, and for that, there is a dire need to refute old ways of healing and resort to more holistic and natural ones. 

As mental health is a state of well-being that promotes positivity and productivity in life, it allows us to cope with the stresses of life and make a positive contribution to the community. It is better to know the lesser-known facts about it before you embark on the journey to recovery and healing. 

For more information follow Dr. Ketam Hamdan on instagram or please contact Brain Health at:
Website: https://brainhealthgrowth.com/

Telephone: (281) 891-3342

Author’s Bio:

Dr. Ketam Hamdan is a visionary therapist and educator, passionately redefining mental wellness through her innovative approach at Brain Health. With a Ph.D. in psychology and advanced studies in religion from Harvard and Columbia, she expertly navigates trauma, relationships, and integrative therapy. Her unique approach blends science and spirituality to help clients connect mind, heart, and body, unleashing their potential. Dr. Hamdan also guides C-suite executives on transformative leadership journeys. Her compassion extends beyond clinical work to co-founding a non-profit aimed at making mental health accessible to all.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Mental health is complex, and individual needs vary significantly. Always consult a licensed mental health professional or counselor for advice tailored to your personal situation. The views expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent a universal approach to mental health. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate assistance from a healthcare provider or a crisis helpline.

Published by: Nelly Chavez