In our fast paced, noise-filled, modernized world, our mental health is often and easily overlooked, neglected, ignored and silenced.
Would you agree?
There has been a staggering increase in the number of people being affected by mental illness globally and a plethora of mental health challenges are becoming a part of our daily lives. In previous publications, World Health Organization (WHO) had shown that 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental health challenges at some point in their lives- this number has now become 1 in 4 from recent reports of WHO and other mental health organizations. It is also being stated that there has been a fifty percent increase in the prevalence of mental disorders worldwide since 1990 and due to this increase, the mental health care system is that much more burdened.
What comes to your awareness in knowing that more of us are being challenged and overwhelmed and that the mental health care is not easily available?
Would you agree that there is an absolute necessity to acknowledge that there is realness to what is happening and it is more critical than ever to attend to our mental health needs earlier on rather than later?
In light of the increasing challenges and the declining mental health globally, there is a simple act that is powerful and transformational that can make the difference in our overall mental health and wellbeing: LISTENING.
Done intently and meaningfully, LISTENING creates a safe space for people to express their innermost thoughts and feelings which fosters deeper connection, understanding and leads to healing and recovery.
Think of a time when you have felt listened to and heard.
Think of a time when someone was able to create a safe space for you to fully express yourself without feeling judged or labeled.
What did that experience look like?
What did that experience sound like?
What did that experience feel like?
In our world where access to mental health care is limited and scarce, and often near to being impossible for those who live in communities that are faced with many societal barriers, LISTENING can be what helps create hope for someone to keep going and live another day until such a time where they can see their unique capacity to overcome mental health challenges to discover there is healing.
In LISTENING, we communicate “You matter”.
In LISTENING, we validate emotions.
In LISTENING, we show that no one is alone.
Mental health challenges are often, if not always, experienced in silence and can be so overwhelming that can lead one’s thoughts, feelings and actions into darkness. If we are all able to LISTEN to those voices that are longing to be heard, then we can change our direction towards better mental health and higher wellness.
Here are some tips on LISTENING to someone who is struggling with their mental health.
Be curious and ask questions to show genuine care and interest in what the person is experiencing.
Refrain on passing personal judgment. It is important to know that our judgment is based on our own perception and passing judgment will not create a safe open space for a person to freely express and unload their innermost thoughts.
Separate yourself from the experience of another- reminding yourself they are them and you are you. This is setting a healthy boundary for you to continue creating a safe space for the person.
Connect with the feelings of the person even if you don’t understand or cannot relate to what it is they are experiencing. Ask “what does that feel like?’. This is practicing empathy.
Engage in self care activities like breathing exercises for you to release anything negative that you have absorbed when you listen to another’s challenges.
LISTENING can play a pivotal role in overcoming mental health challenges. It is an act that we can effectively do and offer to another who is struggling.
"There is a voice that doesn’t use words. LISTEN.” - RUMI
In what way are you listening effectively and what can you do to improve so that a person who may be in the dark can feel that they matter, they are heard and that they are not alone?
Reach out if you need help with this.
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