Why is America So Fixated on Mental Health While Ignoring Physical Health?

This is a complex question, and the simple answer lies in stigma. Stigma creates a significant barrier that makes it nearly impossible to seek help for mental health issues without facing ridicule. Beyond that, the lack of mental health days in many companies and the scarcity of resources and education exacerbate the problem. These factors contribute to the assumption that mental health isn't as important as one might think.

The Importance of Physical and Mental Health

As a society, we often place too much emphasis on material success, such as money, fame, and career, leading to significant inner instability. Our actions are heavily influenced by others' opinions, causing us to forget our own voices. We chase others' dreams, neglecting our own, and are often driven by a need for productivity and perfection, which can lead to self-hatred and dissatisfaction.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I truly understood the importance of self-care. Realizing that if we don't prioritize our health, no one else will, I learned to always make both physical and mental health my top priority.

The Role of Stigma in Mental Health

The answer to why mental health is so fixated upon while physical health is largely ignored is deeply rooted in stigma. Mental health issues often carry a greater sense of shame and fear compared to physical health issues. This stigma can manifest in the form of historical practices such as hanging and burning mentally ill individuals in medieval England. In modern times, there remains a fear and shame associated with certain mental health conditions, such as psychotic illnesses, while medical conditions like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and strokes typically receive more sympathy and support.

The fear of mental illness can arise from the perception of dangerous, uncontrolled attacks from psychotic individuals, though this is a rare occurrence. Hollywood movies often perpetuate this exaggerated image of deranged assault from psychotic individuals. In contrast, such behavior is not associated with physical disorders, which typically evoke a sense of sympathy rather than fear. People with mental health issues are usually anxious, depressed, and disorganized, often avoiding social situations due to fear of rejection and ridicule. This highlights the need for care and compassionate attention for both mental and physical health issues.

Improvements and Challenges

While there have been positive changes in recent years with less criticism and anxiety surrounding mental health problems, there is still a long history of shame and stigma associated with mental disorders. It's crucial to address these issues to ensure that people feel supported and understood.

In conclusion, both physical and mental health are essential, and society has a responsibility to provide support and resources for individuals struggling with either. By breaking down the stigma and providing a supportive environment, we can create a healthier and more compassionate society.