Although the discussion around mental health increases daily, it is still largely limited to mainly depression and anxiety.
However, many people live with more complex mental health conditions that require long-term care, professional support, medications, etc.
Some of them include Autism, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, etc.
In this article, we will talk about some of the problems faced by people with these complex mental health challenges and how we can support them.
Problems Faced by People with Complex Mental Health Challenges
Some of the problems faced by people with severe mental health challenges include:
- Stigma Associated with Mental Health.
A major challenge that people with mental health issues face is stigmatization and discrimination.
Even in the present day, many individuals with mental health challenges still choose to keep quiet or refuse to seek treatment due to the fear of stigma they may face if they speak up.
The fear of being excluded or shamed by family members and loved ones have ultimately led to a lot of individuals choosing to keep quiet about their condition and suffer silently.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, many people in our society still see mental health as relating to ‘madness’ and ‘crazy’.
And this has discouraged many people from seeking professional mental healthcare.
2. Limited Access to Mental Health Resources.
For a number of reasons, many people cannot easily access mental health resources like therapy, medication, especially in Nigeria. E.g, individuals living in rural areas cannot easily access mental healthcare due to their geographical location.
Also, mental healthcare like therapy, medications, etc., can be costly for many individuals with limited financial resources.
And these lack or limited access to resources has discouraged many people with complex mental health challenges from seeking treatment or support.
3. Lack of Adequate Mental Health Information.
A lot of people have mental health challenges which they are unaware of or choose to dismiss as ‘nothing serious’. And this ignorance has caused many to avoid or delay seeking mental healthcare or treatment.
Also, many individuals are not even aware that they have a mental health condition and some do not even know where they can go to receive mental healthcare.
4. Isolation and Loneliness
People with complex mental health challenges feel lonely and isolated from their friends and family who may not really understand their illness.
This fear of being a seen as burden or as ‘weak’ has made many to distance themselves from their family and friends.
5. Unemployment and Financial Issues
Maintaining regular employment can be difficult due to the unpredictable symptoms or discrimination from complex mental health conditions, like autism, ADHD, eating disorders, etc.
Also, these complex mental health challenges are usually expensive to manage as they may require regular medications, therapy sessions, etc.
ALSO READ: Therapy for Nigerians- 7 Ways Therapy can Change Your Life and Where You Can Access It
4 Ways You Can Support People with Complex Mental Health Challenges?
Here are 4 ways you can offer meaningful support to people with severe mental health issues:
1. Educate Yourself About Their Condition
If you have people around you with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, eating disorder, autism, ADHD, etc., then you need to start learning about the conditions and their symptoms. It will also help you understand their feelings, and teach you how to interact with them without discrimination.
- Encourage Open Discussions about Complex Mental Health Conditions
The discussions around mental health must move beyond the circle of depression, anxiety and stress. There are other mental health conditions which a lot of individuals suffer from which must be addressed.
We must be open to having discussions where people with mental health conditions like Autism, Bipolar Disorder can speak out about their condition and receive support without fear of being judged or stigmatized.
Having these conversations both offline and online will help to destigmatize and encourage those with these mental health challenges to speak up and get help.
- Increase Access to Mental Health Resources
Individuals, governments and other stakeholders have a role to play to ensure that people with mental health challenges get adequate mental health care.
The government needs to ensure the increased presence of mental health clinics in rural areas or areas that are not easily accessible.
Mental health professionals and organizations should also organize outreaches where free or cheaper mental health resources are offered.
Also, the presence of online mental health resources like online therapy needs to be more publicized.
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- Encourage them to Seek Professional Help
We must encourage people around us with complex mental health conditions to speak up and seek help. This could be through therapy, medications, counselling etc. To encourage them, we can contribute to their financial resources for medications, recommend therapists, accompany them to therapy and mental health treatment centers, etc.
ALSO READ: How to Help Your Loved One Suffering from Depression
Conclusion
People with complex mental health challenges face silent struggles due to their conditions. And they need more than just your kind words. They need consistent care, understanding, and long-term support.
To support them, we should be open to listening to their struggles without judgement, encouraging them to seek professional support, etc. In this way, we can create a world where people can talk about their mental health challenges and receive mental healthcare without fear, stigma or shame.
And if you have a mental health issue or just need someone to talk to, feel free to book an appointment with us now. 