Unmasking the Stigma of Mental Health Struggles: Why Sharing Our Stories Can Heal Us

10 October 2025

It’s a date on the calendar, but it represents a daily reality for so many of us. World Mental Health Day highlights what we can no longer ignore: the increasing number of people affected by mental health issues. But I’m not here to just quote statistics. I’m here to talk about why the very words "mental health" still carry a weight they shouldn't, and why I believe we have the power to change that.

Let’s be clear: the stigma that flares up when people hear "mental health" needs to be cancelled. And the only way we’re going to do that is by starting to talk, to share, and to be honest about our feelings. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we show each other, "You are not alone in how you feel."

The World We Live In Now

I often think about the post-2020 world. The COVID-19 pandemic left many of us not just with physical ailments, but with deep mental stressors. We were forced into isolation, and it taught us a brutal lesson: humans were not created to live in isolation. We are part of a society; we thrive on connection with other like-minded individuals. When that was ripped away, it left a mark.

And the signs of that mark are everywhere, in ways that can affect anyone:

· Stress and anxiety that feels constant

· Low moods that are hard to shake

· A shorter temper than usual

· Finding it hard to concentrate

· Poor sleep, night after night

No single person is immune. The mind is still a mystery, even to the experts. But here’s the hope: we have made incredible advancements in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues. And treatment doesn't always mean medication. Sometimes, it's about talking to a professional who can give you the tools—the coping mechanisms—to navigate the storm.

A South African Perspective of Mental Health Struggles

Here in South Africa, our challenges are unique. The socioeconomic factors are immense—the stress of unemployment and poverty weighs heavily on the collective psyche. Did you know that about 40% of adults in South Africa experienced emotional neglect as a child? This not only increases their own risk for mental health issues but, if unaddressed, tragically increases the risk of the cycle continuing for the next generation.

Our adolescents face a different battlefield, navigating societal pressure amplified by the social media age. And our healthcare system, valiant as it is, is overburdened. This often leads to patients falling through the gaps, unable to access the help they need. This is especially true for those with co-morbidities, who are more susceptible to mental health disorders.

Listening to Your Body: It’s Talking

We often forget that mental health is physical health. Think about the last time you were nervous about a new job or an exam. Did you get a "nervous tummy"? Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite, or even eating everything in sight?

That’s your body trying to compensate for those big feelings. It’s called a psychosomatic response, and it’s completely normal. It becomes a problem when it starts taking over your life and hindering your daily routine. That’s your signal to seek help.

And seeking help can look different for everyone:

· Talking to a friend or a professional

· Learning breathing techniques

· Journaling your thoughts

· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

· And yes, depending on the severity, sometimes medication is a helpful tool used in conjunction with therapy.

A peaceful spot for reflection and conversation

The Courage to Face Ourselves

Mental health issues vary wildly in severity and presentation. But one truth remains: knowledge is power. Understanding what you are feeling, and accepting that you need help, means you’ve already won half the battle. It is nothing—absolutely nothing—to be ashamed about.My goal for our Healthfort community is to build a place for long-term relationships where people feel safe, supported, and can come to us with whatever issues, mental or physical.If we can all start talking about our mental health and see it as a strength—because it is; it takes immense courage to face your feelings—then there will no longer be a stigma. It starts with me, and it starts with you.Let’s unmask mental health, together.

Be safe, be well, be happy!

Stay safe and stay healthy

Dr Sharmistha Heeralal

General Practitioner

Mental Health Struggles