Just a month ago, the whole world was shocked when "Harry Potter" alum Devon Murray, who played the role of Seamus Finnigan, confessed about his mental health struggles. Murray's battle was highlighted after he tweeted about getting help to celebration of the World Mental Health Day.
Murray's case, however, was just one among thousands of children and teens who are on the same ordeal - battling depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD and schizophrenia. Speaking of Murray, People revealed the 24-year-old "Harry Potter" star has been battling depression in silence for 10 years and admitted having suicidal thoughts.
"I've been battling depression in silence for ten years & only recently spoke about it and has made a huge difference," Murray wrote, as per Daily Mail. "I had suicidal thoughts this year and that was the kick up the a-- that I needed! Open up, talk to people."
Due to Murray's confession, "Body Punishment" author Maggie Lamond Simone, who has also struggled with mental health illnesses such as OCD, anxiety and depression all her life urged the society to make one bold change and that is to "lift the taboo around calling mental health illnesses by their name." Based on the email send to Parent Herald, Simone explained that "shame, the fear of stigma and a general lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health illness" are preventing children from opening up about their conditions, even to their parents or loved ones.
The email further revealed that NPR is even currently doing a series on the said "silent epidemic," where children and teens are battling mental health illnesses in silence. Unfortunately, Simone stressed that silence could only cause "utter devastation by perpetuating a culture of secrecy, causing shame to deepen, destroying kids' self-esteem and alienating them."
Battling mental health illnesses in silence could also prevent kids from having conversations that will lead to the treatment and support they need. That's why, Simone has outlined some tips that could help eradicate the taboo around calling mental health illnesses by their name.
According to Simone, mental health illnesses come in various types including depression and anxiety, OCD, eating disorders and addiction. But the identification of the type of mental health illness a child is suffering from is essential. The reason? This will help lift the stigma as determining condition and its manifestations could become less mysterious and confusing.
Another tip is practicing the habit of referring the mental health illness by its proper name, making it just an aspect of the child suffering from it instead of defining characteristic. Lastly, be intentional in candidly speaking about the mental health conditions.
Even though mental health illnesses will not go away, Simone emphasized that with a name and no shame, the conditions become just another aspect of the child who's suffering from it. Mental health illnesses are also manageable.
Aside from children, however, parents struggling with mental illness should also openly talk to their children regarding their condition. That way, speaking up will lead toward easing pain, suffering and eventually, desolation.
Do you agree that the society needs to eradicate the taboo on calling mental health illnesses with their name? Feel free to share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
