The term “stigma” is frequently used to describe the obstacles that prevent individuals facing anxiety or depression from seeking help. Mental health stigmas encompass a wide range of issues, from concerns about judgment to a sense of personal responsibility. These stigmas sometimes deter individuals with mental health concerns from seeking the support they need, perpetuating their suffering due to misunderstandings surrounding mental illness and its potential improvement.
This article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse about mental health stigmas by examining the concept of “normal” mental health.
We are not here to define what is “normal,” as the concept of normalcy is inherently elusive. The individual who embodies the most “normal” traits would, in fact, be considered a statistical anomaly. Human diversity is a fundamental fact: some see a white and gold dress as blue and black, hear “Yanny” instead of “Laurel,” and have vivid memories of experiences that are profoundly meaningful to them yet completely irrelevant to others. In the realm of psychology, we are inherently distinct.
However, there appears to be an idealized mental state associated with happiness, freedom from stress, and a proclivity for philanthropy and sociability. The origins of these notions remain somewhat enigmatic. They may stem from individual perceptions or be perpetuated by major corporations that market products under the guise of enhancing happiness or morality. Nevertheless, there is no singular ideal mental state; there are merely diverse states of mind, each of which is equally valid. In my perspective, destigmatizing mental health begins with the acknowledgment that it is permissible to experience stress, disdain for certain tasks, or simply a desire to retreat beneath the covers when the world turns cold and dark. Experiencing negative emotions is not only acceptable but also an inherent aspect of the human experience.
Mental health stigmas often arise from the perception that experiencing depression, anxiety, or loneliness sets individuals apart as outsiders. Yet, statistics reveal that an estimated 20% of Canadians will grapple with some form of mental illness in any given year. This statistic does not even encompass culturally specific stigmas linked to LGBTQ2+ issues, cultural variations in mental health acceptance and awareness, and other related matters. Consequently, it is reasonable to assert that experiencing mental distress is as “normal” as being in a state of well-being.
What motivates our unrelenting desire to maintain health and well-being is a complex question. It might be driven by an innate genetic survival instinct or an inherent human inclination to seek happiness and indulge in hedonistic pleasures, which require the absence of illness. It is possible that our aspirations to resemble the seemingly flawless individuals portrayed on social media platforms play a role. Regardless of the driving forces behind our quest for well-being, it remains a universal human experience to grapple with feelings of pain, sadness, anger, fear, stress, and loneliness, despite our instinctual pursuit of well-being and happiness.
