Stopping the Stigmas Around Mental Health

The stigma surrounding mental health issues not only spreads misconceptions but also prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. Shedding light on common misconceptions related to mental health can help foster understanding and empathy toward those who struggle. Those with mental health issues do not need to be defined by their condition. 

Stigma refers to the negative perceptions and beliefs associated with a particular topic. Stigmas about mental illness contribute to the isolation and discrimination faced by individuals dealing with mental health challenges. They perpetuate a culture of silence, hindering people from seeking help and accessing the support they need.

Common Stigmas About Mental Health

There are many stigmas surrounding mental health, with the following being some of the most common.

• It’s just a phase. This common misconception suggests that any mental health issue can easily be overcome with time. Thinking this way minimizes the severity of the struggles individuals face and can discourage them from seeking the professional help they need.
• Mental health challenges are a sign of weakness. Society often wrongly perceives mental health challenges as a sign of weakness or lack of resilience. Addressing and managing mental health issues requires great strength and courage.
• This is a cry for attention. This stigma downplays the legitimacy of mental health concerns. In truth, individuals expressing their struggles often desperately need support and understanding.
• Medication is a quick fix. There is a common misconception that psychiatric medications offer a quick fix for mental health issues. While medications can be an essential component of treatment, they are most effective when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes.
• You can just snap out of depression. Mental health challenges such as depression are not a matter of willpower or determination. Telling someone to “snap out of it” oversimplifies the mental health condition and undermines the individual’s genuine struggles.

The Harmful Effects of Stigmas

The stigmas surrounding mental health can have profound adverse effects on individuals who struggle with these issues. Stigmas can exacerbate challenges for those faced with mental health conditions in the following ways:

Feelings of Shame and Guilt

Stigma often makes individuals feel as if they are personally at fault for their mental health struggles, hindering their ability to seek help and generate a positive mindset for healing.

Social Isolation

Fearing judgment or discrimination can cause those struggling with mental health problems to isolate themselves from friends and family. They may be reluctant to disclose their mental health disorder for fear of how they will be perceived. 

Employment Discrimination

Employers may hold biased views about individuals with mental health conditions, impacting hiring decisions and career advancement opportunities. 

Barriers to Treatment

The fear of judgment or criticism may prevent individuals from acknowledging their struggles and seeking professional help.

Lack of Empathy and Understanding

Stigma usually results in a dismissive attitude toward individuals with mental health conditions, undermining their efforts to overcome challenges.

Some ways to help overcome the stigmas surrounding mental health include the following:

• Educate and increase awareness. A powerful tool in combating stigma is gaining knowledge. By educating yourself and others about the realities of mental health, you can help break down stereotypes and promote understanding.
• Encourage open conversations. It is essential to create a safe space for having open conversations about mental health. Encourage your friends and family to share their experiences without fear of judgment, fostering empathy and connection.
• Be mindful of language. The words you say matter. Using stigmatizing language can perpetuate harmful beliefs. Being mindful of the words you choose and correcting others when necessary can contribute to more inclusive and compassionate communication.
• Share personal stories. Personal stories have the power to humanize mental health challenges. By sharing personal experiences, you can break down stigmas and inspire others to seek help and support for their mental health concerns.  

Are you or someone you love struggling with a mental health condition? At Peak Behavioral Health in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, we can help you find the proper mental health treatment for your individual needs. Please contact us to learn more about our programs and services.