Why is mental health literacy important?

The conversation around mental health has been gaining traction over the past decade, however, there is still immense stigma in the absence of awareness levels required to properly acknowledge, and overcome this issue. According to the estimates of World Health Organization in 2019, 1 in every 8 people or 970 million people in the world live with a mental health disorder. These 2019 estimates also suggest that over 550 million people suffer from depressive and anxiety disorders even though effective prevention and treatment options exist.

While most of these terms have become common parlance, the precise definition, and scope of these very grave words is often unclear, and misunderstood by most. In the post-pandemic era, we live in the midst of the most severe mental health crisis in modern history.

The first step towards prevention or finding a resolution is to arm yourself with the tools to recognise the issue, which is where mental health literacy (MHL) comes in. The concept of literacy has become broader than the ability to read, and write, as it has extended to many aspects of our lives. From nutritional to financial, being well versed in areas which are crucial to our social and physical wellbeing is becoming increasingly essential. We speak to Anu Rajgarhia, psychologist at Mpower, to explain what mental health literacy means, highlight its crucial importance, and discuss ways to cultivate it.

What is mental health literacy?
Rajgarhia: Initially, mental health literacy was drafted in 1997. Originally, it referred to an individual's knowledge and beliefs about mental health disorders that helped in their recognition, management, or prevention. However, over the last decade, there has been a shift in the definition of MHL to include the component of obtaining and maintaining positive mental health through educational initiatives.

Today, MHL encompasses four key components: understanding how to obtain and maintain good mental health, recognising mental disorders and knowing when, where, and how to obtain treatment for them, decreasing the stigma related to mental disorders, and developing skills to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

This new definition is broader and aligns with the World Health Organization's definition of mental health, which states that mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders and includes well-being, optimal functioning, and coping.

How can mental health literacy help individuals and communities?
Rajgarhia: The language of mental health can be confusing and conflicting, which is why MHL is an empowering tool. It provides a common framework that helps individuals and communities understand a range of mental health states, from mental illness to mental well-being. Using the correct language enables us to intervene more effectively and reduce stigma.

This knowledge and attitude towards mental health benefit both the individual and the community. It allows people to have control over their mental health, identify possible challenges when they arise, and be more open to seeking help. They understand that mental health problems can and should be treated, and they also learn to manage long-term mental health conditions effectively.

What are the most common barriers or roadblocks towards achieving mental health literacy for people suffering from mental health issues?
Rajgarhia: Stigma is one of the leading factors of poor mental health outcomes. Negative stereotypes have always been associated with mental illness leading to prejudice and discrimination directed at anyone with mental illness. When a person with mental illness internalises this public attitude or belief towards their condition they suffer a myriad of negative consequences. This self-stigma due to misinformed beliefs about the disorder they are coping with, leads to feelings of shame, avoidance of treatment or inadequate care. The fear of marginalisation, discrimination and social rejection make many individuals hide their condition and suffer alone. Self-stigma diminishes the feelings of self-worth, and this manifests through an intrapersonal feeling of being flawed. Low self- esteem, poor self-efficacy and self - isolation leads to poor outcomes and poor quality of life.

How can self-stigma impact the wellbeing of everyone regardless of their mental health status? How can it be overcome?
Rajgarhia: Self-stigma can have a detrimental impact on an individual's mental well-being. When individuals internalise negative societal attitudes and beliefs about mental health, they may feel ashamed, inferior, or hopeless, leading to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth. Such negative self-perceptions can also contribute to a lack of motivation to seek help, resulting in delayed or inadequate treatment.

To counteract self-stigma, it is essential to promote personal empowerment through mental health literacy (MHL). Empowerment involves having control over one's life, understanding one's condition, and having access to the necessary resources and support to manage it. By increasing MHL, individuals can gain a better understanding of their mental health, develop a sense of agency, and feel more confident in seeking help when needed. Empowerment can thus serve as a potent antidote to self-stigma, improving an individual's mental well-being and overall quality of life.

What is the importance of mental health literacy for everyone (across ages) not just those suffering from mental health issues?
Rajgarhia: Mental health literacy programs play a crucial role in empowering individuals to overcome self-stigma and seek support from their family and society. By increasing knowledge and awareness about mental health, individuals can become more confident in discussing their condition, accessing resources, and seeking help when needed. This, in turn, helps reduce negative attitudes towards people with mental illness at a societal level.

Moreover, MHL promotes positive mental health by focusing on developing skills and strategies to identify and cultivate a flourishing mental state. These programs help people work towards improving their well-being and increasing their resilience, which are crucial components of mental wellness. By building these skills and strategies, individuals can better manage stress, cope with challenges, and maintain positive relationships.

In summary, MHL programs have a significant impact on promoting positive mental health outcomes at both the individual and societal levels. By empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to manage their mental health effectively, MHL programs help reduce self-stigma, promote well-being, and reduce negative attitudes towards mental illness.

How can mental health literacy be cultivated?
Rajgarhia: Cultivating mental health literacy is critical to addressing the prevailing attitudes and beliefs about mental illness, including stigma, bias, and reluctance to seek treatment. However, despite some progress, MHL is still in its infancy, and cultural and religious beliefs often prevail over psychosocial or biological factors in understanding mental illness. This mindset can lead to unhelpful attitudes, stigmatisation, and reluctance to seek treatment among those who hold these beliefs.

Gender differences also play a role in MHL, with women generally having better MHL than men, who are more likely to seek self-help treatment than visit a psychiatrist. To address the gaps in MHL, ongoing training programs and community campaigns aimed at vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and the elderly, are crucial. School-based interventions and programs delivered in settings where people live and work can have the maximum impact in improving MHL.

To create awareness and encourage individuals to seek treatment, advocacy campaigns, media drives, and celebrity endorsements can also play a significant role. These initiatives can help dispel the myths and apathy around mental health and promote better outcomes for those with mental disorders.

What are some of the long term benefits?
The long term benefits of cultivating MHL are significant, as it helps individuals and communities make better-informed decisions about their attitudes towards seeking help, stigma, and treatment choices. By reducing the negative attitudes and beliefs about mental illness, MHL can contribute to improved mental health outcomes, both at the individual and societal levels.

In conclusion, as the incidence and prevalence of mental illness continue to rise, the importance of cultivating MHL cannot be overstated. It is the only way to dispel the myths and apathy around mental health, encourage individuals to seek treatment, and work towards cultivating mental wellness.

What can I do?
Rajgarhia: Recognising that understanding mental health is important to personal, community and socio- economic development is the primary step. Following are some actionable steps that can be taken by individuals:

1. Talking about mental health, especially your lived experiences and struggles will allow you to learn more.

2. Attending talks and seminars on mental health, and participating or volunteering for events aimed at spreading awareness.

3. Using social media articles on mental health as a tool to pique one's curiosity, and then taking it forward by reading more articles and literature.

4. Help overcome stigma by talking to people about the importance of understanding the relevance of mental health.

5. If someone is struggling evidently, provide them access to reading materials, videos on various mental health challenges, and wellness practices.

6. You can also support others by suggesting them to seek professional help, or take mental health screenings if required.

Also Read: Want to lose weight without hitting the gym? These tips are all you need for your workout plan at home