The Unintended Consequences of Heightened Mental Health Awareness

By Mente Health

06 Oct 2023

Images-3.png.png

Unintended Effects of Mental Health Awareness

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in awareness around mental health, leading to essential dialogues and encouraging individuals to be more open about their emotional wellbeing.

While this shift towards openness is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, breaking down age-old stigmas and fostering empathy, it's crucial to assess its benefits and possible downsides critically.

In this blog, we look at this nuanced topic and explore potential challenges that could emerge from heightened awareness around mental health.
 
Recent Research

Recent papers by Dr Lucy Foulkes, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, delve into the possibility that well-intentioned efforts to improve mental health outcomes, such as awareness-raising campaigns, might unintentionally exacerbate these problems in some individuals.

While such research is generally in its infancy, it underscores the awareness among academics regarding the potential issue. As an illustration, a recent journal paper Foulkes co-authored remarked that there is a growing tendency to medicalise mild distress in young individuals, potentially leading to the undervaluation and disempowerment of the significance of social support.

Self-Diagnosis

One potential consequence of heightened mental health awareness is the surge in self-diagnosis. While recognising symptoms and seeking help can be helpful, and some self-diagnoses are valid, they can sometimes be problematic.

Online platforms and readily available information have empowered individuals to research their symptoms and draw conclusions about their mental health. While this can lead to productive self-awareness, it can also result in misinterpretations and unnecessary worry. Attempting to simplify self-diagnosis into a strictly positive or negative phenomenon is overly reductionist, but maintaining an awareness of its potential drawbacks is critical.

The Blurring of Mental Health and Mental Illness

Another issue is the tendency to use the terms "mental health" and "mental illness" interchangeably. Mental health encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from optimal wellbeing to mental health challenges or conditions.

It's crucial to distinguish between the two to ensure people understand what constitutes normal fluctuations in thoughts and mood and what could suggest a mental health problem in need of further support.

Gain insights into the differences between mental health and mental illness in under 90 seconds with Dr Tony Mawson here.

Social Media

Social media has significantly spread mental health awareness, enabling individuals to share their experiences and support one another.

However, a growing trend of mental health hashtags and posts may inadvertently romanticise some mental health struggles. While most online posts may come from a place of authenticity and vulnerability, they may also be triggering for others and potentially sometimes idealise mental health issues.

False Support

In recent years, businesses have increasingly embraced mental health initiatives within the workplace, introducing programmes like employee assistance schemes and designated mental health days. These endeavours are commendable, offering employees much-needed support and destigmatising mental health conversations.

However, there is a risk of performative support, where businesses merely pay lip service to mental health concerns without substantial action, undermining the sincerity of their efforts.

Balancing Awareness & Responsibility

The critical question is: How can we balance promoting mental health awareness and ensuring responsible conversations around mental health?

1) Accurate education: Encourage accurate and responsible discussions about mental health and ensure everyone knows they have the potential to recover from poor mental health with the proper support and resources.

2) Language matters: Be mindful of the language we use. Distinguish between mental health and mental illness, and have nuanced conversations that reflect the true complexity of these issues.

3) Professional guidance: Encourage individuals to consult qualified mental health professionals for advice and support.

4) Responsible sharing: While sharing personal experiences can be powerful, consider the impact of your content on others. Be aware of potentially triggering material and exercise sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Of course, none of this blog intends to suggest that awareness is a negative thing. It's a force for good when approached correctly.

The rise of mental health awareness is undoubtedly a positive influence that can lead to meaningful change. However, navigating this newfound openness with care and responsibility is essential. Approaching this matter thoughtfully and sensibly is vital to ensuring that the advantages of mental health awareness prevail over potential drawbacks. How society has these dialogues will ultimately determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential downsides.

We'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this matter at [email protected].

What We Do

We assist companies in addressing workplace mental wellbeing via our digital platform and advisory services.

Latest news

1

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake Lucy Field, Kate Walsh, Ellie Fisher, Zainab Aswat, Reece Jones, Aisha Bibi Patel, Finley Vila, Uzair Zariwala, Richard Prest, and Charlie Harrison

PM+M welcomes ten new apprentices for 2025 intake

11 Sep 2025

2

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment Andrew Grove

ROCCIA strengthens commercial division with senior appointment

11 Sep 2025

3

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November Gary McEwan managing director of Interfloor

Final call for investors: Rossendale community solar project must hit target by November

10 Sep 2025

4

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working Lancashire Combined Authority

Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working

10 Sep 2025

5

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration Collaboration between BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks announce strategic collaboration

09 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
17 Sep 2025 - 17 Sep 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin