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Mental health- How To Get Rid of the Stigma

Accepting mental illness

  • We need to come to terms that a mental illness is normal like any other medical condition
  • What is not normal is its stigmatization
  • Instead, let’s reach out to our brothers/sisters in distress and help them out of their distress

Self value

  • Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism.
  • Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons.
  • Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

Take care of your body

  • Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:
  • Eat nutritious meals
  • Avoid smoking and vaping
  • Make sure to be well hydrated at all times
  • Exercise as it helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods
  • Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students. 

Surround yourself with good people

  • People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network.
  • Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.
  • Make sure not to keep to yourself

Share your time

  • Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else.
  • You’ll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need and it’s a great way to meet new people
  • There no better way to feel great about yourself when extending a helping hand

Learn how to deal with stress

  • Make peace with the fact that stress is a part of life.
  • Practice good coping skills: You may try Tai Chi, exercising, taking a nature walk, playing with your pet or trying journal writing as a stress reducer.
  • Also, remember to smile and not take life to seriously.
  • Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

Quiet your mind

  • Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer.
  • Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.
  • In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.

Set realistic goals

  • Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals.
  • Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over-schedule.
  • You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.


Break up the monotony

  • Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace from time to time can perk up a tedious schedule.
  • Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.


Avoid dependence to substances

  • Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs.
  • Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to “self-medicate” but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.


Get help when you need it

  • Seeking help is a sign of strength not a weakness.
  • It is important to remember that treatment is effective.
  • People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.