The idea for this post was sparked by a wonderful YouTube video by Ruby Granger where she gives an update about her life. Crucially this includes her decision to withdraw an offer to study for a PhD at the University of Oxford because she was experiencing poor mental health.
I love the fact that she has been open about this, and that she was able to recognise that studying at a time when she is feeling unwell and burnt out was not in her best interests.
So many people would have felt the offer to study a PhD at such a prestigious University of Oxford was too good an opportunity to turn down, and sacrificed their health as a result, pretending to be OK.
Concerns for the reactions of others
Others might have been concerned about the reaction of friends, family and people on the internet, and continued down a route that would only have caused them more harm.
Thankfully Ruby has made the sensible decision to spend a year at home, working and looking after her mental health, so she will be a better position in the future to make decisions that work for her.
Mental health conversations
Ruby’s video reflects the fact that, in recent years, conversations around mental health have become more common. Yet many people still feel a sense of reluctance when it comes to openly discussing their struggles.
Despite progress, there remains a stigma around mental health, especially in the workplace, that discourages many from seeking support or sharing their experiences.
Fostering open dialogue about mental health is essential for individual well-being and the health of our communities. Here’s why we need to embrace a more open attitude towards discussing mental health and how doing so can lead to a better, more compassionate society.
Reducing Stigma
One of the most significant barriers to seeking help for mental health challenges is the stigma associated with it. Many people fear that they will be judged or misunderstood if they admit to struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, or other conditions. This fear can lead to isolation, making problems worse over time.
When we talk openly about our mental health, we normalise the experience of struggling, just as we would with physical ailments. No one feels ashamed to discuss a broken arm or a persistent cough—so why should it be any different when discussing a panic attack or feelings of chronic sadness?
By having honest conversations, we can begin to break down the stigma that holds so many people back.
Encouraging Others to Seek Help
For many, the hardest part of dealing with mental health issues is acknowledging that they need help. Seeing others speak openly about their struggles can be a powerful motivator to seek support. It reassures individuals that they are not alone and that it is okay to reach out for assistance.
When a friend, family member, or public figure shares their story of going through therapy or managing a mental health condition, it sends a message that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
It can inspire others to take that crucial first step towards getting the support they need, whether that means talking to a therapist, a doctor, or a trusted friend.
Building Stronger Connections
Mental health struggles can feel incredibly isolating, as if no one else could understand what we’re going through. But the reality is that many people share similar feelings, even if they don’t openly express them.
Talking about our mental health helps to create connections with others who might be experiencing the same things. It fosters empathy, understanding, and a sense of community.
Being vulnerable and human
When we open up, we allow others to see us as we truly are—vulnerable and human. This can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.
It encourages an environment where people feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgment. This not only benefits individuals but can also transform workplaces, schools, and social groups into more supportive environments.
Improving Access to Resources
It has been said that a major reason that mental health services are often underfunded or hard to access is the lack of open dialogue surrounding the issue.
However, I do feel that physical health has been prioritised over mental health for many decades, and neglected by successive governments, which has added significantly to the lack of funding.
That said, when mental health is treated as a taboo subject, it is easier for society to ignore the need for resources and support systems. When more people are vocal about their mental health needs, I would like to hope that it becomes harder for policymakers and institutions to overlook the demand for better services.
Contributing to a cultural shift
By speaking up about the importance of mental health, we contribute to a cultural shift that prioritises mental well-being. In an ideal world, this would lead to increased funding for mental health services, more accessible therapy options, and the development of support systems in schools and workplaces.
Advocacy begins with conversation, and each voice adds weight to the call for better mental health care. As mental health services stand now, they are only able to offer help to the most severe cases. Too many people are left on long waiting lists, getting worse so than they can get better, which has never been better illustrated than the field of eating disorders.
Prioritising Self-Care and Well-Being
Talking about mental health also encourages us to prioritise our well-being. When the topic is normalised, people are more likely to take proactive steps to manage their mental health, just as they would with their physical health.
Self-care, mindfulness, and stress management become part of the conversation, and this shift can have a positive ripple effect throughout society.
Recognising the importance of mental health can lead to changes in how we live our daily lives. It can inspire people to set boundaries, take breaks, or seek a healthier work-life balance.
When we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, we start to value practices that support a healthier mind and body.
Creating a Culture of Empathy
Ultimately, being open about our mental health encourages a culture of empathy. It allows us to better understand the struggles that others face, which in turn makes us more compassionate. When we share our own stories, we become part of a larger narrative that values human experience and emotional resilience.
Empathy is a crucial ingredient for building a more inclusive society, where people feel valued and understood regardless of their mental health status. It can help reduce bullying, discrimination, and alienation, creating a world where kindness and support are the norms.
A Path Forward
The need for openness about mental health cannot be overstated. It is a crucial step towards reducing stigma, encouraging support-seeking, building deeper connections, and advocating for better resources.
By sharing our struggles and listening to others, we create a society that is more understanding, compassionate, and equipped to handle the challenges that come with being human.
Whether it’s through a conversation with a friend, a social media post, or an open discussion in the workplace, each act of openness can make a difference. We all have a role to play in fostering a world where mental health is respected, understood, and supported.
Let’s take the first step by starting the conversation.
