Stigma related to mental health impacts people in various ways, from internalized and interpersonal stigma all the way through to structural stigma such as laws/policies that discriminate against those living with mental illnesses preventing them from receiving high quality care.
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of interventions that directly address stigma. However, it’s essential to take into account whether structural stigma in a community may limit how effectively such therapies will be implemented.
1. Promote Therapy as a Preventive and Developmental Tool
Mental health should be seen as an essential component of overall well-being and should motivate people from all backgrounds to seek professional assistance, but unfortunately this is not the case; many individuals remain reluctant to take that initial step due to negative societal stigmas or stereotypes about therapy.
Stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to discrimination, which can be devastatingly destructive. From being called “crazy people” or having your medical records deleted without notice to being denied healthcare and other services altogether based on misinformation or false beliefs passed down from generation to generation – stigmatic reactions like these are rooted in generations-old prejudice and can be devastatingly hurtful.
Cultural factors may also exacerbate mental health stigma. African Americans, for instance, often feel that discussing their mental health is taboo due to the emphasis placed on family and faith within their culture; as a result, seeking treatment becomes challenging because of fear that doing so would alienate their loved ones or worsen relationships between members.
Members of the LGBTQ community often face immense stigma and prejudice for having mental illnesses, while people with disabilities face similar situations. You can learn more by clicking the link. Such stigmatization and prejudice can act as a significant barrier to receiving treatment and may force individuals into using unhealthy coping methods instead of seeking professional assistance.
Mental health professionals can play a vital role in combating stigma by providing education, workshops and public speaking engagements to reduce its prevalence, as well as working alongside community organizations to raise awareness. Furthermore, they offer support to individuals struggling with their mental health as an impartial space where they can express themselves freely without judgment or intimidation from anyone present.
2. Share Your Mental Health Story
If you or someone close to you is struggling with mental illness, discussing it openly and candidly is an empowering way to reduce stigma. Sharing your experience may make others feel more at ease discussing their own struggles while also serving to educate those unfamiliar with mental health conditions.
But before sharing your story, it’s essential to think through how best to tell it. Perhaps you want to focus on your personal journey or emphasize positive aspects that have helped you overcome obstacles in life.
Additionally, pay attention to who and how you’re sharing it; keeping in mind the purpose behind doing so (i.e. if telling at work – knowing your rights when disclosing mental illness status to employers could be especially helpful; see https://www.eeoc.gov/ for more information).
Stigma exists because of ignorance and misinformation; however, it may also result from negative attitudes or beliefs toward those struggling with mental illness. Even mental health professionals may hold prejudicial beliefs regarding those they serve which can result in lack of empathy leading to discrimination against those in need of care.
When listening to someone discuss their mental illness journey, try being open-minded and without judgment. We must all do our part in changing culture around mental health by learning the truths behind the condition in order to dispel myths and stereotypes associated with it.
If you are experiencing issues with your mental health, seek the assistance of therapy to identify its roots and learn to manage symptoms more effectively. Don’t allow the fear of stigma prevent you from reaching out for support when needed.
3. Be Confident in Your Therapist
Although mental health is becoming more mainstream, stigma still surrounds it due to misunderstandings surrounding therapy and counseling. Unfortunately, people may feel intimidated to seek help due to what others will think; but seeking counseling shouldn’t be seen as weakness; rather it should help you be the best version of yourself!
Finding a therapist that fits well is the first step toward dispelling stigma around therapy. Working with a facility with a proven track record like The Enhancement Center can help ensure positive outcomes. Once you find someone you feel at ease with, opening up about struggles and emotions will become easier.
Therapists provide objective listening for processing emotions – making them different than friends and family in that they won’t advise or judge you; rather they offer a safe space where expression can occur freely without judgment from either.
An energetic therapist will demonstrate to their clients that they aren’t afraid of failure or making mistakes, which in turn helps build up self-esteem and increase confidence about overcoming any hurdles life throws their way. Plus, being part of such an enthusiastic environment provides support and motivation that encourages them to keep on the journey!
4. Don’t Let Stigma Prevent You from Getting Help
People living with mental health conditions are vulnerable to being stigmatized, yet it’s essential not to let this discourage seeking assistance. Luckily, efforts have been taken to counter stigma by creating advocacy campaigns designed to educate the general public on mental illness – using personal stories of those affected to highlight any stereotypes about that illness, for instance anxiety sufferers being told “snap out of it,” and those diagnosed with schizophrenia being described as having split personalities.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of stigma reduction strategies. Some strategies focus on informing the public about mental health disorders and therapy benefits; other use peer-to-peer influence to send the message that people with mental health conditions are not dangerous, crazy or incompetent; finally some studies have confirmed the efficacy of using voices from individuals living with these conditions to spread these messages.
Another effective strategy to reduce stigma is calling out any forms of bias you see, prompting others to think about how their words and actions could have an effect. Furthermore, doing this may encourage those dealing with mental illness to come forward and voice their experiences.
