Shhhh…[Keeping Mental Health a Secret]

“Mental health concerns are dirty little secrets that should not be spoken about. They are problems that no one should know about except the immediate people that are affected. Mental health concerns show weakness and shame towards the family name. “

With thoughts like these rummaging through the family, no wonder difficulties with mental health go untreated. The socially constructed stigmas of mental illness can be suffocating. However, bottled up, negative thoughts about impaired mental health can do more harm than good:

We may come to believe those negative thoughts associated with mental health concerns. These thoughts lead to feelings of worthlessness, shame, low self-esteem, withdrawal from relationships, and depression.

Secrets regarding your mental health inhibit family members from understanding your symptoms and your needs to overcome it.

Keeping any impaired mental health information can prevent future generations from understanding your family’s mental health background.

The Canadian Mental Health Association states that 20% of Canadians will personally experience mental health concerns (or illnesses) in their lifetime. 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by disordered mental health. And, in Canada, only 1 of 5 children who need mental health services receives them.

So, why the BIG SECRET?

Whether you term it mental health concerns, mental illnesses, or psychological disorders, they can ALL be treated effectively.

At Jeff Packer & Associates, we assess your thoughts and feelings associated with your mental health concerns. Together, we help you create coping thoughts and strategies to overcome the barriers that you face with your mental health. We also help you establish healthy and effective ways of communicating your concerns with loved ones, so that they can support you in your process of recovery.

Call us today and overcome the stumbling blocks that prevent you from achieving positive mental health.