Invisible Struggles: Confronting Mental Health Stigma in High-Stress Professions
People in certain professional industries are often seen in a different light. Many individuals might assume that lawyers, doctors, or people in academia, for example, have it all together and don’t have to deal with mental health issues.
In reality, education and success have very little to do with a person’s mental health. In fact, these professions are often filled with stress and can wreak havoc on a person’s well-being.
There’s a stigma that tends to be attached to certain professions, so those struggling might not feel comfortable coming forward for help. Unfortunately, that can make matters worse and keep people silent, perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
It's crucial to break the stigma in your career by confronting the invisible struggles of high-stress professions.
What’s the Problem?
Many high-stress professions involve long working hours, heavy workloads, and strong emotional demands. All of these things can take a toll on your mental health, contributing to extreme stress and burnout.
The bigger problem, however, is that some of the mental health issues you might be facing could be difficult to recognize. Or, because of the stigma often associated with certain industries, you might try to ignore them. Even internalized stigma can cause you to feel ashamed or guilty, leading to isolation that fuels the issue even further.
Reducing the Stigma
The best thing you can do if you’re dealing with mental health issues is to take care of yourself, first and foremost. The next step is to be an advocate for breaking the mental health stigma in high-stress professions.
Start by educating yourself. Promote mental health literacy in your workplace and among colleagues and friends. Create a workplace culture built on inclusivity and openness. People should be comfortable talking about mental health issues without the fear of being judged.
If you’re in a leadership position, you have a vital role to play. Promote self-care to those working underneath you, and don’t hesitate to initiate and normalize conversations about mental wellness. If you’re not in a leadership position, consider talking to those who are about positive changes that could be made in the workplace to benefit everyone’s mental well-being.
Why Addressing the Stigma is Important
Breaking the stigma of mental health in high-stress professions has always been important. Yet, in so many circles, it still remains.
Taking steps to advocate for mental wellness helps you. It allows you to be open and free about the things you’re struggling with. That can lead to greater success, better self-care, and a happier, healthier life free from judgment or fear. If breaking the stigma does that for you, imagine what it can do for others in your industry and other professions who might fall beneath the same cloak of having to keep things hidden.
There’s no denying the mental health epidemic we’re facing in the world. While it’s difficult to pinpoint one potential cause, it’s clear that demanding professions can be a factor. That’s especially true when the people in those professions feel they don’t have an outlet or have to hide their struggles from the rest of the world.
Next Steps
If you’re not sure how to get started in confronting these issues, consider working with a mental health professional. Educating yourself and addressing your own mental health concerns can help you to feel empowered. You will learn how to manage things like stress, anxiety, depression, or whatever you might be struggling with, so you can effectively encourage others to do the same.
If you’re ready to break down those barriers and do your part to break the cycle, contact me today to set up an appointment.
