Caring for and talking about our mental health is more important than ever. Though therapy may seem less taboo than in the past, there is still a stigma that surrounds mental health topics. Whether it be mental illnesses or seeking help. When we refer to “mental health stigma” we’re referring to the disapproval or shame that society places on an individual living with mental illness or one that seeks help to work through mental health issues.
Effects of Mental Health Stigma
Mental health stigma comes from stereotypes. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 9 out of 10 people with a mental illness feel mental stigma negatively impacts their lives. Likewise, people seeking out help for mental illnesses may be slow to seek help out of fear of being judged, ridiculed, or discriminated against. When society stigmatizes mental health, whether through the media, societal norms, or other factors, harmful effects can be experienced. If you are living the effects of stigma, one or more of the following may be experienced:
- Hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Internalization of negative beliefs
- Social isolation
- Shame
- Avoiding treatment
- Worsening symptoms
- Lack of criminal justice
- Discrimination at work
- Unemployment
According to CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health): “Stigma affects people while they are experiencing problems, while they are in treatment, while they are healing and even when their mental health problem is a distant memory. Stigma also profoundly changes how people feel about themselves and the way others see them. [Lastly], stigma seriously affects the well-being of those who experience it.”
Combating the Stigma
In order to combat this stigma, there are a few different things we can do in our own lives to make changes.
Speak Out Against the Stigma. If you are in a conversation with others and you hear stigmatized language, try to shed light on the truth and counteract stereotypes.
Check your bias. You may be a proponent for therapy but do you look down on people with diagnosed mental illnesses? Seek to humanize those who struggle with different things than you do. Choose your words. Refrain from using mental health conditions as adjectives and do not make light of mental illnesses.
Educate Yourself. Increase your knowledge of mental health issues and illnesses.
Be a Supportive Friend. If a friend reaches out to you and expresses what they are going through, be there to listen and help in whatever way you can.
Don’t Isolate Yourself. Resist the urge to isolate yourself and believe the lies that no one cares about you. You do not have to go about all of this on your own and there are people willing to help you on your journey.
Talk to Someone. If you are experiencing the negative effects of mental health stigma, talk to a person you trust or a therapist. This individual can help to support you on your mental health journey. You are not alone and you are not abnormal; your feelings are valid and they matter.
Seek treatment. Don’t let the stigma surrounding mental health prevent you from getting the help you need. Your mental health provider will affirm you and remind you that you are making the best moves for you.
At the end of the day, making an effort in your own life to combat the stigma of mental health can be beneficial to family and friends who may be going through the harmful effects in silence. It can also be useful in your own life.