Mental Health: How You Can Give Voice to the Silent Epidemic

Charlotte Jewish News March 2022

By Howard Olshanksy, JFS Executive Director

I was just about halfway finished with the article I was writing for this month’s article on mental health when I saw the news that Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA and North Carolina attorney, died by suicide. I, like most everyone, was shocked. I mean here was this young, beautiful, accomplished professional woman who just three years ago was crowned “Miss USA.” By all accounts, she should have had everything in life to look forward to. Why would she take her own life?

I didn’t know Cheslie Kryst, never met her, and I would not assume to understand what challenges she may have been facing. What I do know is, on the surface, Cheslie Kryst represents thousands of members of our community who appear to be successful, thriving, and happy but who are really struggling with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, and other mental health issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in our country experience mental illness each year, but only 46.2% of them actually access treatment. That means that 53.8% do not!

There are a number of reasons people with mental health issues don’t access treatment.

• Lack of resources, including financial/insurance, time, and transportation

• Fear of dealing with their emotions

• Misinformation regarding the treatment process

• Pride because they see treatment as a weakness

• Doubt about the effectiveness of therapy making a difference

However, the number one reason people with a mental health issue don’t access treatment is the “stigma” associated with accessing help. While mental health awareness has significantly increased as a result of public campaigns, including those with public personalities like athletes, performing artists, and others, there is still a pervasive negative perception regarding mental illness. A 2019 national poll from the American Psychiatric Association found that mental health stigma is still a major challenge in the workplace. About half of workers were concerned about discussing mental health issues at their jobs. More than one in three were concerned about retaliation or being fired if they sought mental health care. Educating the public that mental illness has a biological basis like any other illness is important to shift the stigma surrounding mental illness and of seeking treatment.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers some suggestions about what we can do as individuals to help reduce the stigma of mental illness:

• Talk openly about mental health, such as sharing on social media.

• Educate yourself and others — respond to misperceptions or negative comments by sharing facts and experiences.

• Be conscious of language – remind people that words matter.

• Encourage equality between physical and mental illness –

draw comparisons to how they would treat someone with cancer or diabetes.

• Show compassion for those with mental illness.

• Be honest about treatment – normalize mental health treatment, just like other health-care treatment.

• Let the media know when they are using stigmatizing language presenting stories of mental illness in a stigmatizing way.

And finally, and maybe most importantly, learn the signs that indicate someone might be struggling with a mental health issue and take the bold step to check in with them. Some of the most common “red flags” that someone might be experiencing a mental health issue include:

• Excessive worry or fear

• Excessive sadness

• Problems concentrating and learning

• Mood changes

• Increased irritability

• Avoidance of friends and social activities

• Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy

• Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite

• Changes in sex drive

• Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs

Manifestation of multiple physical ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains” without a clear medical cause

If you recognize these signs in a family member, friend, or co-worker, don’t be afraid to ask if they are OK. It often just takes one person asking the question “Are You OK?” to help someone take that important step toward getting treatment and healing.

If you are having thoughts about suicide, call the suicide hotline at (800) 273-8255. If you need assistance in seeking mental health services, contact Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594.