Dear OHCHR,
Imagine this: You wake up daily feeling like there's a dark cloud hanging over you. Simple tasks feel overwhelming, negative thoughts swirl in your head like a storm. This isn't a bad day - it's your reality. Yet, as you navigate a mental illness, you're often met with judgment. People see you as “handicapped” or “incompetent”. Doesn't that seem unfair? Don't we all deserve understanding and support?
These derogatory perceptions are a byproduct of misunderstanding and ignorance, fuelling fear. Why is visiting a doctor and receiving a diagnosis shameful? Early diagnoses favor timely healing processes. Many are unaware of mental illness factors such as chemical imbalances in our metabolism, trauma, and isolation. The WHO named depression the “disease of the century” and reported a 25% increase in depression and anxiety in year one of the pandemic.
Despite nations making considerable efforts in destigmatizing the challenges associated with mental health, structural stigma haunts the generations of today. In Jordan, Nigeria, and the Bahamas, suicide remains a criminal offense. At least 17 countries punish attempts with time in prison, fines, denying access to health services, and humiliating households. (The Guardian)
Jennifer Miller detailed in the New York Times that peer-based organizations creating school environments that value well-being enable students to feel safe and empowered to speak up about their own needs. Not only is mental health important in this setting, it’s important in all facets of a student's life especially because anyone, irrespective of age can struggle with mental health. However, if you struggle, society alienates you by calling you “a burden”. To prevent criticism, invalidation, and disappointment, you sacrifice your welfare.
Perhaps this explains why my high school best friend hid from me that she would succumb to self-harm and sleep deprivation.
Perhaps this is why my childhood best friend didn’t tell her boyfriend that she was having an eating disorder.
Perhaps this elucidates why one of my classmate’s mothers was unaware of her daughter’s depression until she found her lifeless body.
As the esteemed OHCHR, you have the respect and authority to encourage discourse and foster policymaking on this pressing issue amongst global leaders.
Mental illnesses are no different from other health disorders. They can happen to anyone, but they’re treatable. Instead of stigmatizing these illnesses, let’s facilitate healing. Educating the public on the causes and early symptoms of mental illnesses means preventing the onset of the disease or treating it before the disease becomes severe.
Refusing to acknowledge and aid mental health hinders society’s progression into being safe, equitable, and compassionate. As the youth, please hear our plea and help us address mental health. Do we really want suicide to become the first leading cause of death amongst 15-29-year-olds? Isn’t it being the fourth leading cause already weighty?
🧐 The Rationale Behind This Open Letter:
My writing is my medium of expression. It is where I unapologetically share my frustrations in an empowering fashion. Due to the lack of constraints confining my thoughts within this medium, I've imagined myself addressing my doubts and worries to an organization I trust would do the right thing if this letter got a hold of them.
What is your opinion on this pertinent and devastating issue? Were there any ideas that resonated with you? What would you propose were to be done by international organizations to facilitate the discourse and support regarding mental health's stigmatization? Let me know your thoughts in the comments down below!
Sending virtual hugs and lots of happiness your way! 🧸 🌻 🤪
These derogatory perceptions are a byproduct of misunderstanding and ignorance
Greeting <a href="https://it.telkomuniversity.ac.id/category/blogs/">IT Telkom</a>