There are a variety of reasons why we tend to neglect our own emotional health and for each of us, those circumstances vary. Here are a few common reasons:
1. Stigma:
We hear a lot about keeping fit and taking care of ourselves physically, but when it comes to emotional wellness, a strong stigma still exists. Taking a sick day from work for the common cold continues to be standard practice and encouraged but a day to recuperate when we feel emotionally spent, is not always encouraged, or welcomed. According to a CAMH statistic, stigma prevents 40% of people with anxiety and depression from seeking help. Thankfully, workplace wellness programs have begun to address employees’ emotional health by establishing activities, protocols, and reflecting on our own judgements are some ways we can begin to reduce stigma.
2. Cultural/Identity Sensitivity:
Cultural beliefs/stigmas about emotional health may prevent someone from seeking help, for fear of being shunned or targeted by their family or community. An additional complication can be service providers and programs are not always sensitive to or familiar with one’s cultural norms and nuances. If one’s cultural beliefs pose a barrier to seeking help, it is essential for providers to have the awareness and tools to connect on a level that responds to thee beliefs and creates a climate of trust and reassurance.
3. Reduced Awareness and Access to Resources and Services:
Life stressors are nothing new and in fact if anything they have become more complex as our systems (healthcare, economy) become more complex and faster paced. Unfortunately, the systems of support have not grown as rapidly. Those who have difficulty adapting and coping with stressors they experience must often contend with band-aid solutions that often do not address the core issues and leave the person with minimal follow-up to help prevent future crisis. Unless an individual is directly referred to a specific center for follow up, it may be difficult to find adequate support in the community. Over the years, the provinces have seen many changes in the provision of mental health services. Massive defunding for psychiatric institutions has led to the support and creation of some very integral community mental health centers but with deinstitutionalization comes overcrowding of community services. To compound the problem, such centers continue to be underfunded and short staffed, leading to even further delays in service. National mental health and suicide prevention hotlines are a very important link to direct support and resource information.