Mental health is a crucial part of overall wellness, but stigma keeps people from getting the help they need. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness and promote understanding about mental health conditions. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to do this, including fundraising and outreach events. You can also volunteer with mental health organizations or simply start conversations about mental illness with friends and family.
But it’s also important to consider the risk that, as a society, we are in danger of “prevalence inflation.” The more we talk about mental health, the higher the likelihood that someone will interpret their own symptoms as a sign of mental illness. This leads to an increase in self-diagnosis and panic about mental health.
The problem is that these efforts often leave us unmoored from any certain information about what causes mental illnesses. The truth is that mental illnesses are complex and can be caused by many things — genetics, brain chemistry, trauma or other medical conditions like heart disease. This lack of knowledge leaves us prone to misinterpret negative psychological experiences as symptoms of a mental health condition, which can lead to increased anxiety and a false sense of urgency.
To address this concern, we need a new strategy with renewed vigor that combines progressive government policies, engaged media and a vibrant educational system. And most importantly, it should be targeted at the youth and young adults, since most mental health conditions first show up in these populations.