The Danger Of Mental Health Stigmas And How To Address Them

Many people with mental health concerns may delay getting help, or avoid it, because they fear people will treat them differently. Mental health stigmas are negative attitudes toward people who experience a mental illness. Mental health stigma can come from the person who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition (self-stigma) or from other people (public stigma). In this article we’ll explore mental health stigmas, how stigma can affect people experiencing a mental health condition, and how we can work to reduce stigma.

What are stigmas?

A stigma is when someone views someone negatively because they have a particular trait or characteristic. The stigmas surrounding mental health might make people feel ashamed of their mental health challenges, which can stop them from getting the help they need.

People with mental challenges should not be ashamed of the struggles that they're living with, but the stigma can make them feel this way.

There are several different things responsible for the stigma that surrounds mental health. According to one report, "Several studies show that stigma usually arises from lack of awareness, lack of education, lack of perception, and the nature and complications of mental illness, for example, odd behaviors and violence." Therefore, to change the stigma surrounding mental wellness, we need to address the general lack of understanding surrounding mental health.

Dangers of mental health stigmas

In addition to stopping people from seeking treatment, there are other dangers of mental health stigmas. Let’s take a closer look at some of them. 

It hurts the way people treat others

Many people connect mental health disorders with dangerous activity. You don't often hear about mental wellness in the news until there is a big event, like a mass shooting or other terrible crime. Then people start talking about mental wellness because they assume the event because the person had mental health challenges.

However, people with mental challenges are more likely to be victims of a crime than commit one. But this information doesn’t make news coverage. While it is true that people need to be more aware of their mental health and that of others and that the media can help spread awareness, connecting mental health with mass shootings and other similar events sheds a negative light on the topic.

When people are afraid of or don't understand mental health disorders, they tend to show it in their behavior and how they treat people diagnosed with them. Instead of people with mental health conditions being open about their challenges, they stay quiet so they don't draw attention.

It hurts the way people think of themselves

Mental health stigmas can also hurt how people think of themselves, adding to their challenges with their original diagnosis. It can add shame to the mix and cause people to have added anxiety and depression that they don't need. This can make them feel like their situation is hopeless. And they won't feel like they have anyone to turn to.

It can lead to suicide

Feeling constantly judged, criticized, or teased because of a mental health challenge can lead to depression. As discussed above, it can also stop them from seeking the necessary treatment.

These things combined can cause someone to spiral down into a dark place. If they feel that they can't talk to anyone about what they are experiencing and are not getting the help they need, their depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or suicide.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

This is not something to be taken lightly. The stigma of mental wellness is very serious. It impacts people daily, and it needs to be addressed.

How to address mental health stigmas

The best way to start addressing mental health stigmas is to talk more about mental wellness. The more we educate people on the realities of mental health challenges, the weaker the stigma becomes. People will see that these disorders and challenges are not as rare as many people think.

Here are some additional ways that we can address mental health stigmas:

Focus on education

The more we can educate people on the facts of mental wellness, the faster the stigma will end. To end the stigma, we need to get the right resources into the hands of people in every community.

Two reasons people give for not getting the help they need are that they aren't sure where to get help, and they're worried about what it will do to their relationships and employment opportunities.

These things should not be holding people back from getting help in this day and age. 

Learn to separate the person from the diagnosis

A simple change in how we say things about mental wellness can make a significant impact. For example, instead of saying, "I'm bipolar," you should say something like, "I have bipolar disorder." It's a small change, but it can make a big difference in how you think of yourself or others diagnosed with mental health disorders.

It's essential to understand that the person is not their diagnosis. Their mental wellness challenge is just one small part of who they are as a person.

Form support circles

Having a strong support system can be helpful if you have a mental health disorder. Family or friends who love and support you for who you are, challenges and all. You can turn to these people when dealing with the struggles that your mental challenges are causing and the stigma that they are causing.

It can be tempting to isolate yourself when you feel embarrassed or ashamed, but remember, there's nothing for you to feel ashamed of, and staying in contact with your family and friends can be very helpful and comforting. Mental health advocacy organizations, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provide multiple initiatives to support people with mental health conditions and to help reduce public and self stigma surrounding mental health. For example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness offer support groups for people with mental health conditions as well as their family members. 

Get treatment when you need it

There are plenty of mental health services to choose from if you are struggling with mental health challenges, from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to having relationship problems or anxiety. There are many reasons why people go to see a mental health care provider. A professional can help you access the mental health services you need and help you learn how to cope with any negative impacts of mental illness.

Don't give in to the stigma

Mental health stigma is something that we can overcome. However, effectively reducing stigma will require society to work together. The most important things we need to focus on are getting people help if they need it and educating everyone on mental wellness.

If you are struggling with mental health symptoms, seek help. If you're uncomfortable talking to someone face-to-face, online therapy is a great way to get the help you need from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection. 

When you sign up for treatment, you’re matched with a qualified professional who is available to start helping you right away. There are no waiting lists or long commutes, and you can communicate with your therapist via email, text, instant messaging, phone, or video chat. Studies show that online therapy is effective, too. One review of 14 studies found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment. If you’re ready to get started, sign up with Regain.

Takeaway

In this day and age, many resources are available for people to get treatment to learn how to overcome their mental health challenges. We must educate society on those treatment options, including telemedicine and online therapy. If you've been waiting to seek help because you have felt uncomfortable, now is a great time. Let's put an end to mental health stigmas.