Unlearning the Stigma around Mental Health

Abstract

This painting, titled “Unlearning the Stigma around Mental Health”, aims to disrupt the notion that mental illness is a myth and the negative belief that people with mental illness are ‘dangerous’ or ‘crazy.’ It is important to recognize mental illness and engage in healing as mental health governs our daily life by maintaining our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences our attitudes, feelings, and behaviour. Thus, only by being both mentally and physically healthy can we manage stress and make healthy choices. This painting is a self-reflection of my anxiety in which I try to break down the reasons behind it so that the awareness of these thoughts and feelings allows me to think them through, and get rid of the unnecessary negativity they bring upon my mental health. Only by recognizing these thoughts and feelings instead of repressing them and by changing our attitude toward mental illness can we unlearn the negativity that affects our mental health daily. Moreover, being mentally healthy improves our ability to manage the stressors in our lives and promotes a positive outlook wherein we realize our full potential for having good relationships, working productively, and making valuable contributions to the community.