Those of us who work in, or are connected in one way or another to, the field of mental health are unfortunately used to finding closed doors.
Why? Because when someone is living with a mental health condition, the comments they often hear are always the same: “Just try harder,” “Other people have it worse,” “Relax,” and many more. If we have a family member or friend living with a mental health condition, the situation is often the same, except that the comments are directed toward someone else. And if we work to improve mental health in our communities, we face very similar reactions.
The mental health reform that the government has been promoting over the past few years has given renewed hope to everyone working in mental health or advocating for this cause. At last, there is a commitment to a community-based approach that prioritizes the social inclusion of people living with mental health conditions instead of isolating them. And that is a tremendous step forward.
However, there is still a long way to go. The vast majority of society continues to believe that mental health is not a topic worthy of serious attention: that it is almost a joke, an unimportant branch of healthcare, something that only concerns “weak people who don't know how to deal with their problems,” something that is “for crazy people,” or simply something that “doesn't sell.”
And we see this every single day across every level of society.
We see it in the academic environment, where students living with mental health conditions often cannot find the support they need from their educational institutions to continue pursuing their professional goals.
We see it in the workplace, where it is still almost impossible for someone to take medical leave because their mental health has deteriorated, while a common cold is considered more legitimate than depression or any other mental health condition.
We even see it in the media, as demonstrated by the way Angie Jibaja's admission to a mental health center due to severe depression and a suicide attempt was reported just a few days ago. When television programs as irresponsible as “Amor, Amor, Amor” treat a tragedy like that with sarcasm, it is unacceptable. Such situations should never be turned into entertainment.
I continue to see it every day. I see it in our work at De-mentes, where it is still incredibly difficult to find individuals and organizations that truly believe in the importance of mental health. I also see it in the work of other organizations that share our mission.
The question is: How much longer? What must we do for society as a whole to recognize the importance of mental health for our well-being and quality of life? How many more people must suffer before this reality finally changes once and for all?
We must begin by changing ourselves. Perhaps if each one of us changes our attitudes and publicly challenges the situations and arguments described in this article, while educating those who continue to spread them, we can truly make a difference and, in doing so, help save many lives.
Let us continue working together for a Peru—and a world—free from stigma.
#EveryoneForMentalHealth
