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

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin