SEATTLE — According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a quarter of the population will struggle with mental health at some point during their lives. Of those people, half will go undiagnosed and untreated for many reasons, including the stigma around mental illness. Premera is hoping to offer those people hope and link those who are suffering with the care they need, when they need it.
TED Speaker Bill Bernat struggled with his mental health for many years, but went through a transformation which helped him get better, "I didn't know if I could live better because these patterns were so entrenched, but all my other options were looking really bleak. And it turned out I could." He wants people to know that they can improve their lives through treatment, advocating for themselves and working toward having a better life.
He suggests a few phrases to say, and some to never say, to someone struggling with depression.
- Don't say "Get Over It." This phrase is unhelpful, "That's obviously the very first thing we tried, was snapping out of it."
- Don't try to fix it. "A. You probably can't and B. They probably don't want you to ... You're not expected to be Dr. Phil, just be friendly, more like Ellen."
- Don't take a negative response personally. Don't let your own "rejection response" kick in, and avoid adding the guilt of not meeting your expectations to the depression they may already be experiencing.
- Talk in your natural voice. Just be yourself, avoid talking in "the sad voice."
- Be specific about what you can do for that person and what your boundaries are. "It's better to say no than to make an offer you won't keep."
- Inviting them to contribute to your life. "Ultimately people want to feel included, ask 'do you want to go to a movie with me? Build a deck chair? Plant flowers?' Whatever you do in your life that you might do with them, invite them to do it with you."
Premera Medical Director Dr. Shawn West wants to remind those struggling with depression that mental illness is common. "I think we all can be more comfortable talking about it. There are lots of ways to reach out."
He cites that half the people with mood disorders and 9 out of 10 people with substance abuse disorders don't seek treatment, "I think allowing ourselves and our friends and family to have permission to talk about it is the first part. Then being able to ask for help is really important."
Many health plans cover issues like behavioral health, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders. You can go to your primary care doctor, and many employers have employee assistance programs. "The majority of these conditions are easily treated with safe and effective therapies."
If you are thinking about suicide, or you're worried about a friend or a loved one, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline network is available 24/7 all across the United States.