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For a long time now, mental health has been a topic that a majority of people refuse to talk about. It seems like we are all too comfortable burying our heads in the sand and pretending as if mental illness doesn’t exist. Yet mental health is such a major issue in society today that governments and organizations are starting to take notice.

Though anyone can be affected by some form of mental illness, it is men who are least likely to talk about their condition. This explains why the rates of depression and suicides among males are skyrocketing. Mental health should be a topic that is at the forefront of every public health program, not a side issue relegated to the backburner.

So why is mental health such a secretive topic for most people?

Here are five reasons why people stay silent about their mental health:

Lack of support

Sometimes it’s so hard to just admit that you need support and help from others. You may not want to appear weak or maybe there is nobody around you whom you feel understands your situation. This makes it difficult to talk about mental health. However, there are programs, like the one offered by Craig Beck, that can help you learn how to love yourself and gain the support you need.

Responsibility

In most cases, people refuse to stand up and speak out about their suffering because they feel they will be held responsible or blamed for their condition. This creates a culture of fear and victim-blaming, and the victim decides to keep silent due to the lack of sympathy.

Uncertainty

If you are uncertain about whether your mental health condition will ever get better, then you will not see the point in talking about it. This is made even worse when your family members and friends also hold the same opinion. If they believe that mental health is untreatable, then they will assume it is a waste of time even hanging around you. The hopelessness of the situation can lead to stigmatization and isolation.

Unpredictability

Unlike uncertainty which centres on the long-term aftermath, unpredictability is more about short-term outcomes. Most people who suffer from mental illness tend to display certain day-to-day behaviours that appear irrational or plain odd. Those around them perceive their actions to be unpredictable and thus lash out or withdraw from them. Why would someone who has mental health issues talk about their condition and risk being treated as a pariah? It’s easier to make excuses for your unpredictable behaviours than admit that you are struggling with something.

Incompetence

Nobody ever wants to be considered incompetent, especially in today’s cut-throat, ultra-competitive corporate environment. Let’s face it. Most bosses are not going to be very enthusiastic about promoting an employee who has come out saying that they have a mental health problem. If you know this to be true, then you are less likely to talk about your own mental illness for fear of losing out on job opportunities.

The reasons above explain why people choose to keep quiet instead of seeking help. By educating yourself, you will discover that mental health is a condition that should not be used to define an individual.