The Center for Public Policy and Health hosted a U Good “Mental Health 101” virtual event Wednesday to raise awareness about mental health and provide information about the basics of mental health, stigma, and mental distress.
Sounds good This event is designed to provide Kent State University students with an understanding of mental health and substance abuse. These events are designed to motivate, engage, and educate Kent State University students.
Farasha Mahadevia, an undergraduate research assistant in the College of Public Health, led the audience in this virtual webinar, examining the importance of learning and discussing mental health.
Mahadevia discussed the definition of mental health, which includes not only emotional well-being but also psychological and social well-being. Mental health can affect how a person feels and acts.
She also explained that psychological distress can include discomfort and tension, and can stem from larger stressors in life other than the typical everyday stresses a person experiences. did.
“[Mental distress] It can cause anxiety disorders. If left unaddressed, it can lead to physical problems such as back pain and stomach problems,” Mahadevia said.
She said she often hears of people getting stomach and back pain from stress.
“It’s important to be aware and pay attention to your mental health, just as you pay attention to your physical health,” says Phillip Moore, a sophomore business administration major.
To connect mind and body, Mahadevia gave the example that just like physical problems, mental health problems are an expected part of life.
“No one goes through life being 100% physically healthy, and some people cannot go through life unless they are 100% mentally healthy,” she said.
Mahadevia said stigma against mental health is a big factor in why people don’t seek mental health help.
David Sussman, a clinical psychologist says: People are aware of the negative stigma and discrimination that comes with having a mental illness. ”
This stigma around mental health can prevent people from reaching out and obtaining mental health resources because of the potential shame and judgment from others.
Mahadevia explained that people need to openly discuss mental illness and increase knowledge to reduce and prevent stigma around mental health. She also said it is critical to help correct misinformation about mental illness.
“We all have a responsibility to combat the stigma associated with mental health,” Mahadevia said. Learning how to avoid and deal with bias is critical for all of us.
“The more we normalize mental health and talk about it, the less stigma will be associated with it,” she says.
Caitlin Ross is a reporter. To contact her, [email protected].
