In recent years, mental health has ceased to be a silent taboo and has come to occupy space in everyday conversations, on social networks — and even in Google results. This trend indicates that, increasingly, people want to better understand the way they are feeling.
In 2024, for example, a Healthnews survey based on Google Trends revealed relevant data. “Anxiety” was the most widely researched mental health term in 43 out of 64 countries studied. Meanwhile, in 15 other countries, the highlight was the ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder).
In Brazil, this trend is repeated. Among the most common health related searches by Brazilians are anxiety, depression, burnout and ADHD. In addition, the questions that recur the most involve symptoms, diagnoses, treatment possibilities and strategies for dealing with emotional crises.
An analysis of search behavior clearly reveals a growing interest in reliable information on mental health. In this respect, understanding what drives so many people to seek help could be the first step towards promoting care, acceptance and access to treatment.
Mental health on Google: what are the biggest questions?
The growth in searches on mental health on Google shows that more people want to understand how they feel, seek support and welcome others facing emotional difficulties. This is an important sign: we are starting to care about something that society has ignored for a long time.
Among the most frequent questions, the ones that stand out are:
- Anxiety and crises: How to recognize the symptoms? What to do during a crisis? What types of treatment are available?
- Self-care and prevention: How to deal with stress? How to maintain emotional well-being? When is it time to seek help?
- Specific disorders: What is OCD, bipolar disorder or PTSD? What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
- Access to care: Who to see – a psychiatrist or psychologist? How is the diagnosis made? Is there free treatment?
Why is it so difficult to talk about mental disorders?
Despite increased dialog on the subject, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to persist. Phrases like “You’re overreacting”, “You can get over it if you try”, “Try to think of something else” or “You have everything, why are you sad?” are still being said – even if they often are not meant to hurt.
However, this kind of response silences, minimizes and invalidates the suffering of those who are vulnerable. What’s more, this kind of discourse can cause guilt and shame, making it even more difficult to ask for help – just when it is most needed. With time, the suffering may intensify and profoundly compromise the patient’s well-being.
What can we do to change this reality?
Talking about mental health is a good start. However, transforming this awareness into practice requires daily and committed attitudes. Here are some possible ways forward:
- Encourage equality between physical and mental illnesses
Mental disorders do not indicate weakness. On the contrary, they are real conditions that require treatment, attention and acceptance. Just as no one is to blame for having diabetes or hypertension, we shouldn’t blame anyone who is suffering from depression.
Therefore, addressing prejudice effectively requires giving equal weight to mental and physical health concerns. When we treat health as a unified concept—integrating body and mind—stigmatizing language tends to lose its impact.
- Look for reliable information
When in doubt, prioritize reliable sources and specialized professionals. The internet is full of myths and generic advice that can make the situation even worse. That’s why quality information makes all the difference – and can even save lives.
- Take care of yourself with kindness
Prejudice often begins within us. We often put too much pressure on ourselves, feel guilty or believe that we are obligated to “do everything”. However, that’s not how it works.
Feeling afraid, sad, tired or anxious is part of life – so it’s okay. What’s more, recognizing your own weaknesses, asking for help and seeking support are not signs of failure, but of strength and courage.
On the other hand, caring for mental disorders requires perseverance, patience and often time. In some cases, the effects of treatment take longer to come than we would like. Even so, it’s important to insist: even small advances, when added together, can generate major transformations.
Therefore, be kind to yourself. Cultivating self-care and respecting your own rhythm are essential steps to emotional well-being.
- Offer a listening ear
If someone decides to confide in you and share their suffering, listen carefully. Avoid judging or interrupting. Often, the best way to help is simply to be there – with empathy and availability.
- Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Psychotherapy, medication and self-care are legitimate and effective tools for the treatment of mental disorders. That’s why welcoming, seeking advice, talking and getting informed are attitudes that can truly transform lives. Indeed, such transformation originates on an individual level – and manifests collectively.
Talking about mental health changes everything
Mental health is an essential part of our existence. In other words, it directly impacts our relationships, our sleep patterns, our work and even our view of the world. For this reason, taking care of the mind is taking care of life as a whole. For starters, listen attentively. Then, find out more. And when necessary, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
In sum, promoting mental health is a gesture of empathy, courage and responsibility.
In the end, your mind will thank you.
