Going Public with My Mental Health Diagnosis
Although there is a universal agreement that we need to take care of our minds just as much as we do our bodies, there are still many misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses and treatment options. I’ve struggled with mental illness for over 15 years. However, admitting that I’d been diagnosed with not one, but two different mental conditions, and was using antidepressants to cope proved difficult. People I considered friends assumed I was using my diagnosis to manipulate others. While employers allowed no room for mistakes or flexibility. Therefore, despite knowing mental health conditions are common, and oftentimes passed down from generation to generation, seeking treatment and being on medication is something I kept hidden for years.
With that being said, my name is Tashiyanna and I have been diagnosed with, not one, but two mental disorders.
Join me as I unchain myself from mental health stigmas, review alternative treatment options, and maintain control of my life. Join me as I unchain myself from mental health stigmas, review alternative treatment options, and maintain control of my life.
Addressing Mental Health Issues
Currently, the emphasis on mental health is almost as great as the one on physical health. Everywhere you look people and companies are talking about the importance of mental health. And with the pandemic’s after effects continuing to plague the world, it’s about time. As teens battle reintegrating into school with or without masks and digital social lives, many adults are still unemployed or adjusting to working from home, and parents are struggling to raise children who think everything they read on social media is law. Yet, the public stigmas surrounding mental disorders remain despite many agreeing that yes, mental health is important.
Breaking the Stigma
A mental health analysis is not only enlightening, but knowing that you’re not alone can also be quite empowering. Thankfully, in this day and age, if you’re not ready to seek professional help there are many apps that you can use to identify and manage your mental and emotional wellness. Although initially it may be a hard pill to swallow, identifying life’s stressors and pain points, whether that’s building and maintaining relationships, loving yourself, or managing your negative emotions, can help you know when to set boundaries and be patient with yourself. It can also help you determine the areas you may need additional assistance or support.
Taking Control of Your Mental Health
There are many of us who want help, but can’t afford it or don’t know where to start. This free online screening is a self-administered mental health test, provided by Mental Health America. It offers you a quick snapshot of your mental health. However, I must warn you to be careful of self-diagnosing. While self diagnosing can offer the peace and privacy you’ve been looking for. It can also lead to the wrong type of treatment. When administered by a medical professional, on the other hand, a mental health assessment will not only help identify disorders, but a professional can also connect you with other providers that can provide you with the proper care you need.
Use this worksheet to help identify inherited toxic habits and establish a plan for unlearning them.
“I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information I provide should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. ”
Mindwell Body + Soul instead provides resources and strategies that help you cope with life’s stressors. In the event that you, or someone you know, is in need of clinical mental health services or is seeking help from a licensed medical professional please let me know so I can point you in the direction of a trustworthy medical professional.
