A few days ago, Mental Health Awareness Month came to a close. I took some time to reflect as a mental health practitioner. It warmed my heart to see the progressive conversations had by everyday people, celebrities, and influencers.
The Uptick of Mental Health Needs During the COVID Pandemic.
I had a candid conversation with a friend who recognized that the pandemic had been a personal blessing. He referred to this period as a ‘catalyst of sorts.” He stated that COVID’s multiple lockdowns forced him to stop and reflect. A little backstory on my friend, he loves to be out and about. Within our conversation, he admitted that he used going out to avoid confronting his inner thoughts and feelings. Long story short, he’s on a journey of self-discovery and has now prioritized re-connecting with himself.
This pandemic has taken us ALL for a loop. My friend’s revelation got me thinking about the many ways in which the pandemic has forced folks to step outside of their comfort zone. Many turning inward to (re)prioritize their mental wellbeing and taking steps towards seeking support. My friend was lucky in that he was able to do this work with a therapist. But many didn’t have this opportunity.
At the beginning of the pandemic, mental health practitioners were at capacity and couldn’t take on additional patients. This holds true even a year+ later. There were long waiting lists, and many folks went months without care. Many folks were forced to navigate their mental health needs independently. If this isn’t a push to get more individuals trained and specialized in mental health, I don’t know what is.
Let’s be real, some folks couldn’t access the help they needed/wanted for various reasons. Many loss their healthcare shortly after being let go from their jobs. And paying out of pocket for mental health care could be seen as a luxury expense depending on your financial needs. The issue of access to care is a whole other can of worms I’d rather not get into.
It brought me back to when Governor Cuomo announced the COVID Emotional Support Helpline in March 2020. There was a massive push for mental health professionals in New York state to volunteer their time or take on additional hours to support New Yorkers. I remember thinking how progressive and ingenious! I know my opinion of this initiative was influenced by me being a Social Worker and a mental health practitioner. But seriously, how frigging kool? This initiative was not an afterthought. It was intentional, and dare I say, doubled as a safety net to support the emotional needs of ALL New Yorkers.
The Intergenerational Viewpoints on Mental Health has Shift.
I can’t recall if it was a TikTok or a YouTube video, but there was a video centered around a teenager openly discussing their mental health concerns with their grandparent. How kool is that? These types of conversations are happening all around us. And not in some secret backroom, but out in the open.
As a millennial, it’s interesting to personally witness how stigmas and narratives associated with mental health have shifted. Growing up, I often overheard elders conversing about individuals “not being strong enough or weak” as the main contributing factors to one’s mental health needs.
I am happy to see those same elders now having conversations around their own mental health struggles. And discussing mental health illness as something that can happen to anyone and the importance of utilizing mental health services. I’m super proud to see this radical destigmatization within my lifetime.
The push to destigmatize mental health has gained momentum and has a ways to go. I understand that our mental health journey and experiences were not meant to be played out like a race. We will stop along the path to travel uncharted waters and reconvene with others, and no two journeys are identical.
I’m sure that being a Social Worker and living in New York City shapes my understanding and views on mental health. But in all honesty, it’s not unusual for me to witness these random types of progressive conversations. Like the school-age child informing their besties, that they have to run to make an appointment with their therapist. Similarly, I’ve witnessed the same behaviors in adults. We’ve most likely come across a close colleague/friend casually offering information to an “excellent” mental health therapist. These simple, inconsequential acts lay the groundwork to inspire others and normalize seeking help.
Mental Health Matters.
It made me proud to see the progression made to reduce stigma and normalize mental health. I also recognize that we must continue the work. That includes changing/destigmatizing our language, being inclusive, and normalizing the mental health experiences of ALL.
I recently watched Oprah, and Prince Harry’s The Me You Can’t See. This docuseries pushes the conversation of mental health to the forefront. It does a fantastic job of normalizing our struggles as humans and puts a face to the lived experiences of those struggling with mental health needs.
The Me You Can’t See discusses the prevailing global stigmas around mental health. If you haven’t seen this docuseries, I would employ you to check out the trailer –you won’t regret it.
Final Thought.
My reflection took me on a journey in which I found myself filled with so much gratitude and pride for the field of mental health.
I’ve seen progress with my own two eyes, and the journey before me is promising.