Unfortunately, there are still many common aspects of life that are all too difficult to talk about. Society’s judgments, expectations, and stereotypes can make even the bravest of us hesitant to speak up about important issues. Here are 17 things we should talk about more openly.
Mental Health Struggles
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people is currently battling a mental health disorder. Even more people will struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives. Yet the subject remains far more taboo than it should be, as people commonly fear being judged or dismissed when voicing their struggles.
Financial Insecurities
Money is a touchy subject for most people, and we think it’s time to change that. People struggling with poverty and debt often feel too afraid to speak openly about their issues, which can prevent them from getting the help they need to improve their lives.
Experiences of Discrimination
Unfortunately, many groups within our society still face a great deal of discrimination and judgment. People are often afraid of speaking out about these experiences, worrying that they may face further ridicule or public shaming, but those brave individuals who do so pave the way for others to follow their example and make a positive impact.
Relationship Challenges
Everybody in a relationship can eventually face struggles. Yet we are often afraid to speak openly about these issues because we fear we will be judged or misunderstood. Healthy communication and support from others play an essential role in keeping our relationships happy and healthy.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Most of us will struggle with self-esteem or body image issues at some point in our lives, so it is important to normalize talking about these experiences. Sadly, many people fear that if they do so, those around them will judge, shame them, or see them as weak.
Grief and Loss
Death, grief, and loss are all sad but natural parts of life. In the West, dying is often seen as a taboo topic, and it can be difficult to publicly display negative emotions and talk openly about these subjects. However, doing so is often the best way to heal and move forward.
Substance Abuse and Recovery
Substance abuse affects a large portion of the American population. What’s more, as pointed out by the National Institute of Health, there is a strong link between childhood trauma and substance abuse. So we think it’s about time we stopped shaming those brave enough to open up about their substance struggles and started supporting them in their recovery.
Sexual Health and Consent
It is incredibly important for kids to grow up being informed about sexual health and the importance of consent. Unfortunately, many people and parents see it as a taboo subject and therefore neglect to address it.
Aging and Elder Care
The reality is that we all get old one day. Nobody should feel alone, unheard, or isolated in their old age, so it’s about time we started opening up more discussions about how to best care for and support the elderly population.
Disability and Accessibility
There are many disabled individuals in America, yet many people are uncomfortable talking openly about the challenges facing this community. There are also many misinformed beliefs and stereotypes about disabled people, which would be much less of an issue if there were more discourse on the topic.
Work-Life Balance
It is normal to struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and most people do at some point in their lives. However, society’s glorification of hard workers can make it difficult to talk openly about this fact.
Parenting Challenges
Raising a child is hard work. Kids have so many physical, emotional, and mental needs, and meeting those needs is a full-time job. As such, it’s completely normal to struggle with parenting at times. But many people fear openly talking about these issues for fear of being judged as bad parents by others. However, speaking up about these challenges is the best way to get the support you need.
Environmental Concerns and Action
We’re all aware that our world is in desperate need of our help. Climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation are all pressing issues that many people are afraid to face. However, discussing these issues openly is the best way to raise awareness and make a change.
Loneliness and Social Isolation
We all experience loneliness or social isolation at some point in our lives. So it’s high time we started normalizing the discussion of this fact of life. Doing so is often the first key step in reducing one’s feelings of loneliness and reconnecting with others.
End-of-Life Decisions
Everybody dies one day, so it’s important to feel physically and mentally prepared for this natural event. Sadly, many people avoid the topic because it brings up fears of dying or losing loved ones. Feeling prepared for death can help bring you and your loved ones greater peace of mind.
Infertility and Miscarriage
It is a sad truth that infertility and miscarriage are common among American women. In fact, according to March of Dimes, about 10–20% of pregnancies will result in a miscarriage. This can have a huge emotional impact, so it is important for everyone to feel that they can discuss their experience openly and gain the support they need.
Intimate Partner Violence
Unfortunately, many victims of intimate partner violence fear that they will be shamed or judged if they open up about their experiences. Yet this is an incredibly important first step in helping them get the support they need to leave their abusive situations. By encouraging open discussions on the topic, we can help these individuals feel safe enough to ask for help.
If you or someone you know would like some support, text the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 88788 or the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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