Counsellor Mike Lang discusses the importance of becoming aware of the language we use and advocating for better mental health care. (Prairie Hope Wellness/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Mental Health and Change

Battling the stigma of mental health in the Northeast

Jan 3, 2023 | 12:00 PM

The following is Part 1/2 of the northeastNOW series exploring mental health and change as we transition into the new year.

After a turbulent year, staff at Prairie Hope Wellness are talking about the reality that uncertainty brings to the lives of those in rural communities.

Between battling our own inner thoughts and the stigma associated with receiving mental health support services, the challenge for those in the northeast to access the care they need is a struggle.

Counsellor Mike Lang told northeastNOW that although society has made significant steps in reducing the negative image mental health once had, we have a long way to go.

“Every group within our society is presented with certain barriers to accessing mental health support services,” he said.

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He noted as the barrier of stigma is broken down in society, members of marginalized groups still need to feel safe to find the support services they need.

“Stigma exists most often because of fear and lack of understanding. Through educating ourselves, we can unlearn negative stereotypes and stigmas,” Lang said.

Lang shared that 2022 presented a complex set of events that have caused an increase in anxiety not just in the Northeast but globally.

“National events including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have impacted the world’s sense of safety and security, and human beings naturally will feel an increase of emotions in reaction to this,” he said.

Despite an increase in anxiety in general, Lang explains there is still one group that often has difficulty accessing mental health services.

“Men and boys of all ages. Men are often told to ‘man up!’, ‘be a man!’, and ‘stop being so emotional!’, which reflects how imperative it is to change the language we use when confronting mental and emotional health struggles,” he said.

Lang emphasized the importance of normalizing the fact that men struggle with their mental health and that reaching out for support is OK.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM