Our mental health is the foundation on which we build our lives. A house built on shaky foundations can collapse with a light breeze. A house built on strong ones can withstand the most powerful winds. Everyone is different, and some people require extra help to protect themselves from storms. The problem is when those who need additional support are judged. This creates a negative bias referred to as mental health stigma. Stigmatizing mental health conditions creates a vicious cycle that prevents people from seeking the help they need due to fear of social repercussions. 

Society has gone through cataclysmic shifts in the last few decades, with public opinion regarding gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights changing dramatically. Yet some are still afraid to speak up for fear of being labeled as "crazy" or "unstable", followed by losing their jobs, friends, and loved ones. It’s estimated that at least 26% of American adults, 1 in 4, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. People walk around every day terrified that they will be “found out”. 

Types of Stigma 

Not all stigma takes the same form, and people can suffer from different categories simultaneously. Public stigma is a widely-held negative belief around people who suffer from mental health issues. Society doesn't recognize them as unique individuals, attaching labels such as "unpredictable," "to blame," "lazy," or "selfish."  

Self-stigma is when a person takes the negative labels perpetuated in widespread culture and turns inwards. They shame themselves as a reflection of the shame they feel society has for them. 

Institutionalized stigma is the term for laws, bodies, organizations, or workplaces where stereotypes around mental illness still exist. Institutional stigma is often the precursor for, or companion of, discrimination. 

*Remember* stigma involves holding a negative belief about someone who displays certain personality traits or physical characteristics. Discrimination is where they receive negative treatment or fewer opportunities because of them.

Effects of Stigma 

The consequences of stigma can be devastating. A person on the receiving end of one or all of these types of prejudice can feel: 

• Reluctant to reveal they are struggling to medical professionals or loved ones 

• Be misunderstood or judged by friends or family members 

• Experience overwhelming feelings of shame, isolation, or disconnection 

• Facing bullying, verbal or physical assault, or harassment 

• Lack of hope or belief in positive outcomes 

• Significant delays in recovery

Ditch the Stigma 

Although ignoring all the negativity can be difficult, protecting your mental health and recovery journey is vital. You're worth it. We recommend: 

• Reaching out to your doctor to ask what help and support is available 

• Joining support groups, which will help reinforce the belief that you are not alone 

• Avoiding self-labeling, you are much more than a set of diagnostic criteria, so don't treat yourself as such. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," say "I have schizophrenia." 

• Speak out against mental health stigma if you are comfortable doing so. Use social media as a tool to raise awareness and break the stigma.A good mental health recovery plan will contain all of these characteristics as overall objectives and the action points required to achieve them.

Fighting Back 

Darkness cannot grow in the light. The only way to beat stigma is to fight against it. How can we do this? 

• Reading up and becoming knowledgeable about different mental illnesses and the stereotypes that accompany them.

• Asking sensitive questions to those you know who have a mental illness to see if they want to talk about their experiences.

• Avoid stereotypes, using words with negative connotations, or misusing diagnostic terms.

• Challenge those around you who use these terms or stereotypes to bring the situation to light.

Hopefully, one day, mental health stigma will be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, we have to do our best to fight it one day at a time. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is out there. The Walker Center offers a range of mental health treatment options. Reach out to our team for a confidential, commitment-free conversation today. You're worth it.