Mental Health - Why Not Call it Brain Health?

I am often asked - why are the stigmas associated with mental health so negative and long lasting in our society? I think there are a few explanations, but I personally like to use the term "brain health" since it is actually more accurate. I think one reason the stigmas have lasted so long is the term "mental health" - which is ironic because the underlying causes are physical in nature. We also know some of the symptoms of mental health conditions (voices, delusions, aggression, etc.) scare people - thus perpetuating the stigma. A third reason is diagnosing these conditions can be more difficult than other health conditions, where a simple blood test can be sufficient. However, there are great strides being made on earlier diagnosis of certain conditions (more this topic in a future blog). 

Conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, ADD, ADHD, and anxiety are pervasive in our society. Conservatively, we are talking about over 40 Million people in North America alone. Many would argue current government statistics represent only a third to half of those truly suffering with a mental health disorder. 

Without exception when I speak about mental health disorders, a person will come up to me and privately share a story about themselves or one of their loved ones. The first step is to listen carefully to the person (which isn't always easy for a bipolar person!). The second step is to urge that person to seek the best possible medical care. The third step is to encourage them (or their loved one) to develop a personal program for managing their specific condition. Once you or your loved one has experienced improvement in the condition (which can take months) - I believe it is then therapeutic to help others. Millions of people are living in a "quiet desperation", and helping others can help you feel stronger and more positive. A patient needs to take care of themselves first - so they are better equipped to help others. It is kind of like the short speech flight attendants give before takeoff "pull down and attach your own oxygen mask first - before helping your child".

I doubt the government will ever change the term mental health to brain health. In fact, the government has not figured out how to effectively deal with mental health. Let's not wait for the government to develop an effective strategy and then execute on that strategy. I have much more hope that organizations and individuals will be the best weapons for taking on mental health challenges and erasing the stigmas. Organizations including corporations will have to become more effective in supporting employees with mental health challenges. In order for Human Resource productivity to improve - companies will have to get much better at recognizing, advocating, and assisting those large number of employees who are living in quiet desperation. 

I believe the most powerful factor for addressing mental or brain health challenges will be our society. There is a small and rapidly growing advocacy movement on the rise in America. I can tell you these advocates are not only passionate, but they look at others who suffer as part of a family. This is great news - because we all know the traditional family has been on the decline in America. We need a new type of family to emerge in our society. I believe mental health advocates could be a great starting point for us to develop what I call "community families".

I encourage your comments and to follow mental health topics on www.MedCircle.com. There are so many new developments in this arena, so staying up to date is helpful. Cheers!