Depression and Anxiety: The Societal And Cultural Stigma

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Depression and anxiety are alarming mental illnesses affecting millions of people accross the globe. This is often as a result of the effects of cultural and societal stigma.

Growing up, facing the challenges that life brings and sometimes these affected individuals have no one to talk to, as a result of that they try curing their depression and anxiety all by themselves through the wrong means such as intake of hard-substances and in some cases they commit sucide.

The major cause of drug abuse globally is a result of depression and anxiety. The society doesn't make thing's better for these affected individuals as they mock them, blaming their failures in life on them which leads them into a worse state of depression.

Some Societal norms believe that women are weak and prone to depression and anxiety while men on the other hand are strong and should not be found in such condition.

In so many cultures today discussing mental health is considered a taboo. Individuals affected by depression or anxiety may be discouraged from seeking theraphy.

Individuals battling with mental health problems may experience rejection from loved ones thereby putting them in an isolated spot, worsening their condition.

In some societies, their healthcare system only consider physical illness, leaving mental illness unattended to. This leads to poor mental health services making it difficult for affected individuals to get the help they need.

Government should invest more in the mental health sector, making treatment and therapy accessible to affected individuals. Family and friends should also give space for these affected individuals to express themselves and also make them feel comfortable while expressing themselves.

The media should also create public awarness for individuals affected by this mental illness to educate the public.

Depression and anxiety are alarming health conditions that should be treated with care and proper medical attention.