Its time to talk about depression and anxiety — lets break down the stigma

It still comes as a shock to me that there is a stigma against depression and anxiety. So many people that I have spoken to are either currently dealing with or have dealt with depression and/or anxiety at some stage in their lives, or they know someone who is dealing with it. In fact, one in five Australians suffer from a mental illness.

If so many people are battling depression and anxiety then why is everyone ashamed of talking about it? The conversations surrounding this topic are always reserved for quiet corners and hushed tones.

There are lots of things wrong with the world these days but this shouldn’t be one of them. Anyone can suffer from depression and anxiety at any stage in his or her life, and they should feel supported enough to talk about it.

Think of it this way, if you have been off work with a cold or flu, and someone at work asks you how you are feeling, you are generally going to tell them a bit about how miserable you were feeling when you were full of mucus and sneezing everywhere. This is usually a normal occurrence. But no one would go around saying that they have been feeling really depressed and sad, this is something people aren’t used to dealing with.

There are plenty of awareness and support services available for people who have depression and anxiety such as Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute, but people who do not suffer from mental illnesses can affect and influence those that do. The only way we are going to break the cycle is by changing how we act today and by beginning to understand what depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses are and what it is like to suffer them from day to day.

Many times when I have explained to someone that I have suffered bouts of depression and anxiety, I have been met with responses such as; ‘But you seem normal,’ and ‘Oh my god! I didn’t know you had anxiety!’ because apparently you are meant to wear a big neon flashing sign when you suffer from depression and anxiety.
The main point I got from my dealing with all these people was that when it comes to depression and anxiety, people get freaked out and they really have no idea what to do. So here’s my advice — research it, learn what you can do to help, and support those who need it.

I am grateful for the fact that my depression hasn’t been as severe as some, but I am forever fearful and cautious of my stress and anxiety levels, which can lead to a depressive state if they get out of hand. I can manage it because I have learnt how, it’s the same for those who don’t have a mental illness — they can learn how to help those who do!

Don’t fear it; embrace it. Don’t push away those who need help, support them and let them know you are there for them.

In a supported environment and with love and encouragement we can break down the stigma that shrouds depression and anxiety. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, those who suffer from mental illness will feel free to talk about it in the open.
I refuse to be ashamed, and I refuse to be afraid of the stigma. I suffer from depression and anxiety. I have support and I am dealing with it.

© Sarah K. Gill 2016