The song ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from Disney’s “Encanto” has been taking the world by storm in recent months. The popular tune tells the tale of Bruno, who has become estranged from his family as his magical gift of seeing the future is seen as detrimental. Since his departure, the family no longer speak of him as they don’t wish to be reminded of the negativity imposed. Although admittedly it is a catchy song, it got me wondering … what else don’t we talk about, or feel like we shouldn’t speak of?

Even though society has come on leaps and bounds over the years, it appears that there are still many subjects that seem to be taboo. One of the biggest stigmas that comes to mind is mental health.

Despite the sinister representation of asylums and mental wards in modern cinema, it is important to acknowledge that in reality we have come a long way in our approach to mental health. We no longer think that people have the devil in them or use lobotomy as a cure. Instead of taking away part of yourself to “fix” the issue, there is a shift to acknowledge and actively “treat” the problem. Medical professionals are now dedicated to psychiatry and there are many services and charities of support, and celebrity endorsement for reaching out.

So why, when we have moved so much further into an era where we recognise mental health, do we still find it hard to talk about? Why do we still treat it like a forbidden door that we cannot walk through?

From experience, depression and anxiety can manipulate you into believing that you are isolated. Common inner monologues seem to feature thoughts such as:

“There is something seriously wrong with me.”

“I don’t want to bring them down.” “I am being a burden.” “I haven’t spoken to my friends in ages.”

“They don’t want to hear it.”

Mental illness and the stigma that exists around it, is a bully. It berates you and beats you down. You feel alone and that no one can help you stand up to it and defeat the dark cloud that surrounds your mind. But you can survive from the brink of the abyss.

At the lowest points, when the darkness is all around, you can’t always see a way to the light. But just because you can’t see, doesn’t mean that no one is there. By reaching and calling out, someone may be able to grab hold of your hand and help to pull you out. A support network is such a valuable tool in battling mental health and to keep the conversation going. A support network can come from anywhere – family, friends, colleagues, medical professionals, or even strangers. I have seen time and again that it is human instinct to connect to each other – and these small connections can mean the world to someone.

However, there are both sides to this. Remember to reach out to each other – let the people that are in your life know that they can speak to you about their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Just like at the end of “Encanto” (spoiler alert) when Bruno speaks freely about his experiences, talking about mental health can be magical. We can open up a world of possibilities of support and treatment, it doesn’t need to be cast in shadow but instead bask in glorious light.

Written by Katie Ingram

Blogger @Poemstellium

Instagram: @katieingramauthor