One out of every five people experiences a mental illness. Yet only around 50 percent of them receive treatment. When someone breaks a bone, the natural response is to seek treatment, but when someone struggles with depression, anxiety, or burnout, they hesitate to seek the help they need out of fear. Even though people are starting to take notice of this, mental health continues to be treated as being inferior to physical health. In reality, the two are equally important, and in some cases, intertwined. 

Throughout the years, the stigma of mental health has led the public to impose its dangerous beliefs on individuals who struggle with mental illnesses. Stigmas are negative or derogatory attitudes some may feel about mental health. Because of the judgment that stigmas cause, many are afraid to get treatment. Even though mental health issues have been increasing over the years, many still feel embarrassed to seek help.

The Invisible Burden

Part of the reason for the difference in attitudes toward mental health and physical health is the fact that mental health symptoms come in a wide variety. One depression sufferer may be emotionally numb, whereas another may experience extreme mood swings. Along with the variation, symptoms also tend to be invisible. Unlike with a broken bone, people can’t see depression by simply looking. Since there’s no clear sign, people tend to minimize the severity of these effects by saying things such as “it’s all in your head,” which leads people with mental illnesses to continue with their silent suffering. 

Even if the symptoms aren’t as clear-cut as a physical illness, mental health can be just as painful. Anxiety can create a constant state of worry and panic, making it hard to concentrate. Depression can make everything feel hopeless, and make people lose all interest in the things they once loved. While some symptoms may heal with time, others will only worsen. It’s important to get treated right away, because mental illnesses, like physical illnesses, can lead to dire consequences.

The Gap

In the past, mental health was often brushed off as a minor issue. Since mental illness was considered a personal weakness, most people tended to place their focus on physical health. Though times are beginning to change, there are still many issues that reinforce the gap between mental and physical health. For instance, while physical education is required in schools, only 48 percent of them provide mental services. This keeps the gap open rather than closing it. Teaching people about mental health is incredibly important for encouraging those who need help to seek it.

The Cost of Neglect

Staying silent about mental health can lead to severe consequences. Suicide has been one of the leading causes of death, all because people fear seeking treatment. Many struggle to focus in school and the workplace due to mental illness. Due to the stigma and fear of being judged, some try to isolate themselves socially, which only worsens their symptoms.

Neglecting mental health can cause struggles in communication as well. If mental health is treated only as a minor issue, many people will end up suffering in silence, all because they feel that their pain doesn’t count. 

Change

If people are struggling in silence, how can we change that? For starters, we should recognize that mental health is health. We wouldn’t shame anybody for having a chronic physical illness, so we shouldn’t do so for a chronic mental illness. By raising awareness of mental health, people may begin to open up about their struggles, leading to open communication and a kinder world.

Improving access to care can also lead to better conditions. Schools and workplaces should begin to offer more accessible mental health services with supportive policies. Most importantly, all of us must normalize our talking about mental health. Simply checking in and offering help and support when needed could easily impact someone’s life. No one should have to feel like they’re alone.

Conclusion

Poor mental health is not something to be ashamed of. Just as we wouldn’t shame anybody for having asthma or diabetes, we shouldn’t shame anybody for their mental maladies. The more we neglect mental health, the worse it will get. By treating it with the same care and urgency as physical health, we will create a healthier and more positive community. After all, mental health is health.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. “Stigma, Prejudice, and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.” Accessed May 11, 2025. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination.
2. De La Rosa, Josh. “Over Half of Public Schools Report Staffing and Funding Limit Their Efforts to Effectively Provide Mental Health Services to Students in Need.” National Center for Education Statistics. Last modified May 9, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/5_9_2024.asp.
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Mental Health By the Numbers.” Last modified April 2023. Accessed May 11, 2025. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/.
4. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Mental Health.” Last modified August 8, 2024. Accessed May 11, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html.