Breaking the Silence: Navigating Mental Health Through Personal Stories and Societal Change
In the latest Philanthropy feature, we sat down with Eugene V. Beresin, M.D., a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, which focuses on public mental health education, prevention of mental health disorders, and fostering resilience among youth. He has held numerous leadership roles, contributed to various media projects, and has been recognized with multiple teaching awards for his work in psychiatry and medical education.
Understanding Mental Health: A Journey Through Personal Experience and Societal Challenges
Mental health is a universal concern, affecting individuals across all demographics, regardless of age, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status. The journey to understanding and addressing mental health issues is often deeply rooted in childhood, parental influences, drugs, and addictions. It can be personal, influenced by one's living environment, and complex, as illustrated by the experiences of many who have navigated these challenging borders of mental illness.
A Personal Journey into Mental Health
The decision to pursue a career in medicine often stems from a desire to help others, but for some, such as Dr. Beresin, it also involves a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Initially, like many young people today, he faced questions about the uncertainty of his future, what drives his true passion, and the pressures that come with it. This uncertainty led Dr. Beresin to explore philosophy alongside medical studies, a decision that profoundly shaped his decision to enter medicine and his choice to study, understand, and practice treatment and intervention in mental health.
During his time at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Beresin was introduced to the philosophical underpinnings of mental health, particularly through the works of William James and the pragmatists. This exploration highlighted the intricate connections between the mind, body, and environment, emphasizing that mental health issues, though often invisible, are as critical as any other visible illness. With proper treatment and scientific discoveries, mental health issues are treatable and curable.
The Invisible Nature of Mental Illness
Mental illness is pervasive, with one in four individuals globally experiencing early signs such as depression, withdrawal from social interaction, and loneliness—these are just a few signs of a psychiatric disorder at some point during their lives. The data on psychiatric disorders is significant. At any given time, 1 in 4 individuals will have a psychiatric disorder, and over a lifetime, it rises to 1 in 2. This is well documented by the CDC and an article in The Archives of General Psychiatry. Now, as parents and grandparents, we are all affected by excessive stress, given our obligations at home and work, including our concerns about the serious issues we are all facing locally and globally. When these stress factors are compounded by a psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or a severe adjustment disorder, self-care including treatment by professionals would certainly include a range of individual, family, or group psychotherapies, and possibly medications.
Despite its prevalence, mental illness remains shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and with little or no focus on intervention. Common stigmas include feelings of shame and the perception that mental illness is a personal failing, which can deter individuals from seeking help.
With a lack of awareness, public amplification, and storytelling, mental illness remains something people fear to admit and seek intervention for. Unlike visible illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, mental health issues are often hidden, making it challenging for individuals to acknowledge and address them. This invisibility contributes to the stigma, as people are more comfortable discussing physical ailments than mental health struggles. In many ways, the medical problems we consider as visible are like mental illness – both may be invisible. Hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and migraines, to name a few, are also often invisible to others. However, they do not carry the stigma of mental illness. In addition, there is less likelihood to deny medical problems, but the stigma of mental illness often is coupled with denial.
The Critical Nature of Mental Health
Mental health is as critical as any other medical condition. Disorders like depression, which can lead to job loss, decreased productivity, financial hardship, disability, reliance on public assistance, burdens on family, suffering, suicide, and substance misuse, are not only common but also have significant economic and social impacts.
Depression, for instance, is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting workplace productivity, economic hardship, personal suffering, and family dynamics. The good news is that most psychiatric disorders are treatable, with success rates comparable to those of chronic physical conditions.
The Role of Education and Public Awareness
Public education is crucial in combating the stigma and denial associated with mental health issues. By sharing stories and experiences, we can normalize mental health discussions and encourage individuals to seek help. Public health campaigns have successfully addressed issues like smoking and breast cancer, but similar efforts are needed for mental health and have largely been absent.
When public education allows us to know the 3 Ws: What to Look For, When to Worry, and What to do, parents, caregivers and young people themselves have a greater understanding of their mental health problems. And when they see their primary care professionals, they can participate in a more sophisticated discussion and collaboration that may greatly enhance a targeted intervention or referral.
Educating professionals is equally important. Many healthcare providers lack training in recognizing, addressing, and treating mental health issues, which can hinder their ability to support patients effectively. By integrating mental health education into medical training, we can equip professionals with the tools they need to provide comprehensive care, sound assessments, and valuable referrals to mental health specialists.
The Power of Personal Stories
Personal stories are powerful tools for raising awareness and understanding. For instance, a young girl experiencing panic attacks at school was able to overcome her fears through a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and gradual exposure to the school environment. This approach, known as exposure response prevention, helps individuals confront their fears in a controlled and supportive manner.
Similarly, a young boy with a fear of elevators was able to conquer his phobia through gradual exposure and cognitive-behavioral techniques. These stories illustrate the effectiveness of combining medication with therapeutic interventions to address mental health challenges.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key to preventing the escalation of mental health issues. By addressing problems in childhood and adolescence, we can build resilience and equip individuals with the skills they need to navigate life's challenges. This proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of severe mental health issues developing later in life.
Addressing Denial and Encouraging Support
Denial is a common barrier to seeking help for mental health issues. Individuals may downplay their symptoms or fear the stigma associated with mental illness. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging open discussions, we can help individuals overcome denial and access the care they need.
The Role of Community and Collaboration
Addressing mental health issues requires a collaborative effort from families, educators, healthcare providers, and the community. By working together, we can create a supportive network that encourages individuals to seek help and provides the resources they need to thrive.
Conclusion
“Our brains are wired for giving. The chemicals released by the brain during the process of giving are far more rewarding than when we receive gifts,” said Dr. Beresin.
Embracing and providing help and assistance to a neighbor, a family member, or in our community fosters the feeling that you are making a positive impact in another’s life.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and addressing it requires a multifaceted, collaborative approach, regardless of each one’s socioeconomic status. By sharing personal stories, educating the public and professionals, and fostering a supportive community, we can break down the barriers of stigma and denial.
Together, we can create a world where mental health is addressed, treated with interventions, and supported, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
1 in 4 suffer from varying degrees of mental health issues.
Eugene Beresin
Published Mar 28, 2025
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