‘It’s OK to not be OK’ is a nice hashtag, but does it really help? | Rebecca Lawrence
Platitudes are no substitute for resources when it comes to supporting people with mental illness
“It’s OK to not be OK.” A phrase I’ve seen a lot lately: on well-meaning leaflets and posters, in think pieces and, inevitably, as a hashtag (the fact that it’s the title of an acclaimed Korean drama has probably made it especially salient right now).
Is it, though? OK, I mean. The only good answer to this is that it might be. It depends very much on your definition. When it comes to mental illness, people presumably mean that it is OK to talk to others about your problems, that you should neither be shamed nor punished for doing so, and with this I fully agree.
Related: When depression wears a smile, even psychiatrists like me can be deceived | Rebecca Lawrence
Rebecca Lawrence is a consultant psychiatrist
In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, Mental Health America is available on 800-273-8255. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978