The Spiral of Silence Theory is a theory that links mass media, social psychology, and the formation of public opinion; it proposes that people who find their views on controversial issues in the minority tend to keep these views silent.

 

For many years, I was diagnosed bipolar with extreme anxiety, and I did nothing about it. I wasn’t on any medication, nor was I seeing a therapist. I didn’t discuss with friends or family, I just suffered silently. I was so lost in my depression that I felt I was drowning in my own negative thoughts. I was spiraling down a deep dark hole of despair with no sign of survival. I didn’t want to be a burden, nor did I want to be looked at like a crazy person. I worried others would think it was “all in my head” which ironically was all in my head due to a chemical imbalance I had no control over. This is an example of the Spiral of Silence Theory. 

 

Too many people living with mental illness are keeping quiet. There are so many that are afraid to speak out because they fear what others might think, worry if they will be worse off if others knew what they struggle with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Because of these fears, we have staggeringly high statistics of suicide and untreated mental illness. 

 

The Spiral of Silence will continue to happen until more people begin speaking out, telling their story, offering support of a friend or family member who shows signs of having a mental illness, or even volunteering at events that support mental health awareness. Break down the walls that imprison those suffering in darkness, be proactive and give a voice to those who cannot find the courage to speak for themselves, and tear down the spiral of silence.