National Silence The Shame Day: Approach Mental Health Conditions With Compassion

National Silence the Shame Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of mental health conditions and reducing the stigma surrounding them by supporting mental health education as a part of overall health. This day generally aims to encourage discussions about mental health, emphasizing the importance of taking care of ourselves and those around us. When we approach people with compassion in our daily lives, we can foster a more understanding and empathetic community. This can empower us to break down barriers and encourage more people to receive the resources they deserve to thrive mentally and emotionally. One of these resources may be online therapy, which can provide a convenient alternative to traditional in-office therapy.

The history of National Silence the Shame Day

National Silence the Shame Day was originally founded in 2017 by The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation to foster discussions, increase awareness, and promote education for mental health. 

After witnessing the challenges of loved ones living with mental health disorders, Shanti Das, the founder of The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, wanted to normalize mental health conditions and create opportunities to approach the topic with compassion so that people could seek support more easily. 

Individuals typically observe National Silence the Shame Day on May 5 every year, coming together to encourage conversations around mental health concerns and reduce the stigma that can be associated with them. 

The prevalence of mental health challenges and conditions in the United States

Research from 2021 estimates that more than one in five adults in the United States may be living with a mental illness. In 2021, this generally equated to around 57.8 million individuals living with mental health conditions. Anyone can face mental health challenges, regardless of their age, gender, or socioeconomic background. However, various factors, such as unaffordable healthcare, stigma, and misinformation, may limit people from seeking support. 

There may be an increased prevalence of mental health disorders among young people, with rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses seeming to rise among young adults. 

Addressing the prevalence of mental health conditions in the United States may require a comprehensive approach that includes spreading awareness and education, reducing stigma, promoting early intervention, and ensuring affordable quality care is available for everyone. 

Here are a few statistics that can highlight current health concerns across the United States:

• In 2021, at least 21 million US adults had a major depressive episode. This was shown across multiple age groups, with the highest prevalence generally occurring between the ages of 18 and 26.

• An estimated 19.1% of US adults may live with anxiety disorders.

• Suicide may be one of the leading causes of death for both adults and young people in the United States. 

These statistics can emphasize the pressing need to address mental health in the United States. National Silence the Shame Day can serve as an opportunity to reduce discomfort associated with having a mental illness. It may encourage compassionate, open, and honest conversations so that people experiencing mental health challenges can seek the help they deserve.

Ways to support yourself and others living with mental illness or mental health challenges:

Outside of professional treatment, there may be other ways to enhance overall health wellness in everyday life. 

• Spend quality time with loved ones: Engage in meaningful interactions with family and friends, fostering a supportive environment that encourages connection.

• Participate in fun activities: Getting involved in fun activities tends to be linked with physical and psychological well-being. Spend time doing things that make you happy, whether that’s going for a walk, expressing yourself through art, or attending a musical performance. Prioritize activities you enjoy and encourage people in your community to do the same.

• Educate yourself: National Silence the Shame Day can be a great opportunity to dig into mental health education and raise awareness of mental health challenges. 

• Make healthy lifestyle choices: You might choose to go for a walk during your lunch break, eat more fruits and vegetables, or reduce your alcohol intake, for example. A healthy lifestyle can contribute to improved physical and mental health.

• Seek and encourage treatment: Therapists can be excellent resources for people struggling with their mental health. They can offer guidance, support, and care for people during difficult times, helping them navigate challenges by recognizing a sign of mental health challenges, overcoming those signs, and regaining a sense of happiness, hope, and clarity.

• Challenge stigma: Take a stand against mental health stigma by promoting understanding, acceptance, and empathy within your community. Join or raise money for organizations that are opening conversation around mental health. 

By raising awareness and promoting lifestyle choices that can improve psychological well-being, you can help others find clarity and happiness.

Benefits of online therapy

Seeking help through traditional in-office therapy may seem intimidating, but online therapy can offer a helpful alternative by empowering you to seek help from the comfort of your own home. You can choose between video conference, phone call, and online chat for each session, which may enable you to tailor the therapy experience to suit your own preferences.

Effectiveness of online therapy

A growing body of research supports the idea that online therapy usually produces the same client outcomes as in-person therapy. It can be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health disorders and concerns.