Why Taboo?
Taboo…
In many countries, it is common to avoid talking about topics related to mental health problems within families and among friends, as it can be considered a taboo topic because of so many outdated beliefs about mental illness and the reaction of the individual who suffers from the illness.
People without knowledge of mental health issues and their problems can easily tend to relate the behaviours of the suffering individual to the terrifying tales of the untrue, scary urban legends we all grew up hearing in our childhood.
As a result, in most of the strict traditional households, people are still terrified of even mentioning the topic during a casual conversation. Because it has been seen as a sign of attracting bad luck.
I strongly believe that these types of stigmatized beliefs have had continued negative impacts on individual and family life. I believe that open communication is important when it comes to stopping existing struggles from worsening, and it is important to help individuals with problems support them to see a professional.
For example, in a family unit, when a parent or intimate relationship develops unhealthy habits that lead to daily and repetitive conflicts or other acts of violence that could not be solved by a healthy interactions right away; it is very important to take a break to sit back, and, reevaluate self actions step by steps from the beginning to the ends, and then, deeply examine one's behavior way we feel that way just before evaluating the other person’s reaction to be a very effective and responsible person.
Then, it will be easier to open up and discuss the issues, the negative pattern which causing these conflicts, and try to work to resolve them just before the damage becomes a major distraction in the unit. After doing these steps, it is a good idea to consider seeking professional help and getting a third party’s opinion, which can be very important in the healing process.
We all have to start somewhere. By finding it in ourselves to acknowledge our struggles, we take that first step towards improving our lives. That is why I started this journey of helping an individual or family at a time. It all starts with an open discussion on a solution.
The open and honest, respectful discussions need to begin in the household, in every relationship, and then, at a mental health facility, for better outcomes if any families have a big problem.
And also, we need to try to be a good space for others to express their struggles without blaming or shaming them.
When we are allowed to have honest conversations, the solution to the problem will come step by step as we learn more and more about ourselves and others in our lives.
Avoiding education about mental health and shame-talking about it is VERY harmful. And has negative impacts, such as:
It destroyed intimate relationships.
It creates a cycle of conflict in marriages.
It will be deeply detrimental to the mental health of children in the household.
The shame and fear of talking about mental health issues with a family member or someone we live with may lead to finding ourselves in very bad situations that shake our entire relationships with people we love.
So, let us begin the conversation starting from our home.
# It is not taboo to talk about mental health issues with your family and friends.
Love and peace to all.
Aimy Belay.
