Mental Health Stigma: Don’t Let It Hold You Back From Healing

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. That’s almost 60 million people. Yet for many people living with mental health disorders, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the negative perceptions and behaviors that arise in others — as well as themselves — are even worse than experiencing the disorder itself. That’s because mental health stigma is pervasive in our society, and it can be one of the main barriers to mental health treatment, too. 

What is Mental Health Stigma?

Even though more and more people struggle with their mental health today, the stigma around mental health still seems to be holding all the cards. So what exactly is mental health stigma? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health stigma refers to the “negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions.” Simply put, if you’re experiencing mental health stigma, someone is thinking badly of you because your mental health condition is perceived negatively, shares the Mayo Clinic. 

The stigma around mental health can take on many forms. According to the CDC, these are some of the main mental health stigmas you may encounter:

• Public stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs from individuals or larger groups toward people with mental health disorders
• Self-stigma: Believing you there is something wrong with you or that you’re to blame for your own mental health disorder
• Structural stigma: Having laws, regulations, or policies in place that may limit your rights if you have a mental health condition

 

Common mental health stigmas may assume that you’re dangerous, incompetent, unpredictable, or to blame for your condition. You may also be perceived as weak or weak-minded. These assumptions and stereotypes can prevent you from getting a job, finding a place to live, or even having access to proper health care, shares the American Psychiatric Association. This stigma can also extend towards family members, friends, or loved ones associated with you. 

Stigma Around Mental Health: Underlying Causes

Mental health stigma has existed for centuries. Even with increasing knowledge of the need for mental health, stigmas surrounding it are still very widespread. But what keeps these stigmas persisting? Here are a few root causes:

Media Representation

What we see on TV, in movies, in books, or on social media can influence how we see the world, and this is no different with mental health. Often, movies and TV shows portray damaging stereotypes of people with mental illness, making the characters violent, reclusive, or simply bad guys. News media often doesn’t help either, as crimes committed by people with mental health issues get more headlines, shares the National Council on Aging (NCOA). All of these representations tend to reinforce bias and prejudice that furthers mental health stigma today. 

A Lack of Education or Awareness

Unlike physical health conditions or sickness, mental health disorders are often unseen on the surface. People today often lack solid education or awareness on mental health in general, as well as on mental health disorders and how to address them. Consequently, misinformation easily spreads and stereotypes are naturally adopted, paving the way for stigma surrounding mental health. 

Longstanding Cultural Ideals

Independence, cool-headedness, and self-reliance are longstanding values in our culture. The myth of the lone ranger, a hero who has it all together and doesn’t need anybody or any help, is still held in high regard. Consequently, struggling with your mental health can easily be seen as less-than, weak, or unmanly (among guys). The idea of being vulnerable, asking for help, or seeking treatment are often viewed as unorthodox or strange. And since you can keep your struggles hidden inside, it gets easy to bury your issues instead of addressing them. 

The Impact of Mental Health Stigma Today

As mental health stigma continues on, no doubt there’s a fallout upon those already struggling. The impact of stigma on people with mental illness may include:

• A lack of understanding from family or friends
• Harassment or bullying
• Fear or reluctance to ask for help or seek mental health treatment
• Self-doubt that overcoming illness or changing your life impossible
• A lack of employment or opportunities to connect socially

 

SOURCE: Better Health Channel

If you have a mental health condition, you may struggle with self-stigma, internalizing the public stigmas you face. This may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness, followed by self-isolation. Consequently, your mental health challenges may get worse, and you could even seek substances to cope, leading to co-occurring disorders. 

Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, it’s important to not let mental health stigmas hold you back from getting the health you need. This starts with being aware of stigma’s power and choosing not to be its next victim. Yet you also need to partner with a compassionate, stigma-free mental health treatment center that understands your condition. 

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide comprehensive mental health treatment in a safe, supportive environment. If you’re ready to heal your mind, body, and spirit, contact our team today. With our help, you can reclaim your life, as well as be a stigma-breaking voice of encouragement to others struggling, too. 

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