“Stop Stigmatizing Mental Health”

Over the years, I’ve been increasingly aware of the pervasiveness and ubiquity of mental health issues. I have worked to be more open on the topic, bring it into my mainstream without judgment and with compassion.

Growing up with immigrant parents, mental health was not a thing

Growing up with immigrant parents, mental health was not a thing. You go through difficulty, you push through, you come out fine on the other side. That’s life.

However, I tried to teach my children differently; to be more open about these issues. To normalize seeing psychiatry and going to therapy, if needed.

I thought I was paving the way – destigmatizing the issues – but I’ve discovered that despite my efforts, there is still shame around these issues

If you get diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), it is not your fault. You should not be ashamed to seek treatment. Same for lupus, asthma, or diabetes. So why the shame around mental illness? do not be ashamed!! Get the help you need to be healthier.

And yet, when I went to my gynecologist for a routine exam, she appropriately inquired about my mental health. I dismissively told her that I have “PMS” (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), but she pressed on. As I described my symptoms, she told me that my levels of pre-menstrual dysphoria are not “just normal” or “just regular PMS”. She expressed that I may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder and that i can be treated with ant-depressants for one week each month.

My immediate knee-jerk reaction was “no thank you”

My immediate knee-jerk reaction was “no thank you”. I wrapped the conversation up quickly and left, wondering if she really knew what she was doing. Why should I need anti-depressants? I’ve always been a happy person. My life is full of blessings. I have my faith to turn to in hard times.

Yes – all the same stigma and hangups! Despite all my self-work over the years, it was still there

So let me say it again – stop stigmatizing mental health – louder to drown out my own preconceived notions.

Please join me – as our united voices are more powerful than one – #stopstigmatizingmentalhealth. Shatter the stigma with me.

LAMSA’s note: Story 1: This is the story behind our initiative, sharing the stories of women physicians – from all over the world – with mental health

To know more about this initiative: Stop Stigmatizing Mental Health: Our Stories, by Women In Medicine