Mental Health Stigma: How to Abolish The Mental Health Stigma

The meaning of the word stigma is a mark, a stain, or a defect. Mental health conditions are more likely to bear the stigma and be trivialized than physical health conditions.

Is this fair? In this blog, we will delve into the pervasive nature of mental health stigma and explore strategies for its abolition.

1. Understanding the stigma:

So, let’s talk about stigma. How does it form, and where does it come from.

Stigmas are usually negative attitudes, which might stem from negative beliefs and can lead to stereotypical thoughts, which may not be accurate and could also be offensive if not busted, and result in discriminatory behaviour.

The critical comments may come from anyone, from our relatives to neighbours, someone we might know for a decade, or someone we have just met. The point is, society plays a major role. Long exposure to stigma from society tampers the thought process of individuals, leading them to believe there is something wrong with them, which is shameful to talk about. As a result, individuals stop seeking help regarding emotional distress.

One very often heard stereotype is that the depressed person is called sluggish or lazy. Let’s take another example. Anxiety, which is a pretty prevalent condition, is thought of as cowardly by certain others. Many individuals fear being called “mad” for merely looking out for professional help.

These stereotypes are not only incorrect and hurtful, but they also hold individuals back from seeking the support they require.

• Origins of mental health stigma:

Throughout history, mental illness has endured a prolonged and agonising saga of social stigma, consistently leading to the marginalization and misinterpretation of individuals with such conditions within their respective societies.

Stigma regarding mental health continues to cast a long shadow over millions of lives, perpetuating discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion for those dealing with mental illness. Individuals suffering from mental illness might encounter adverse perceptions, discriminatory treatment, and feelings of shame or worthlessness inflicted upon them.

People with depression, schizophrenia, and other psychological disorders were not treated fairly by society for a very long time in ways that were not much different from those of slaves or offenders. They were confined, mistreated, or even killed. The majority of people were unaware of these issues in the past, which perpetuated the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

• What does mental health stigma look like?

While mental health care professionals and mental health advocates are constantly trying to demolish the stigma regarding mental health and illness, it is still pretty much pervasive in society and day to day life, creating a formidable barrier to seeking help and accessing support. It can sometimes be seen as:

• Labelling individuals who are seeking help as “psychos,”  “crazy,” “attention seekers,” or “mental” to judge or trivialize.
• Making jokes about mental health or certain conditions.
• Invalidating their conditions by saying “drink more water” or “it’s all in your head.”.
• Believing and fueling myths like individuals with such conditions are not strong enough or “they always look so happy. How could they have depression?”
• Lastly, being self critical. When someone suffering from these concerns perceives themselves as worthless or denies reality,.

• Why is mental health stigmatized?

Stigma can arise for many reasons. The most prominent reasons could be:

• Lack of knowledge: not having sufficient knowledge about the conditions.
• Lack of understanding and empathy: stigma arises from a lack of understanding of mental illness/mental health. Ignorance and misinformation cause more harm than not having knowledge.
• Holding onto certain values and beliefs: some people have negative attitudes or beliefs towards mental health conditions (prejudice).

• How to break the stigma:

Now that we have identified the causes of it, here are some ways to deal with stigma.

• Educate Yourself

The first and foremost step we can take towards demolishing the stigma is enhancing our understanding of mental health conditions. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding their impact can mitigate fear, misconceptions, and prejudice. Additionally, learning about the mental health care facilities available and knowing the rights under the MHA (Mental Healthcare Act) might give more insight.

• Unlearning is as important as learning

While it is important to learn and build our knowledge base, it is also important that we let go of false beliefs and fears (if any) about the conditions.

• Bust myths

Everyone can help reduce stigma about mental illness. When negative stereotypes surface in discussions or media platforms, take an active role in debunking myths and enlightening others to prevent the formation of inaccurate stereotypes.

• Stick to facts

Mental illness is not a indication of weakness. Educate yourself about relevant statistics and facts, and share knowledge with others to foster understanding and combat stigma.

• Language matters:

Be mindful of the words you use when describing yourself or others, avoid insensitive and hurtful words and words that define a person by their condition.

Employing terms like “insane” or “crazy” carries negative connotations, perpetuating judgement and reinforces stigma.

• Don’t avoid seeking help:

Don’t let these perceived societal stigmas prevent you from seeking the assistance and treatment you require. Prioritise your well-being and seek help without hesitation.

• Your illness is not your identity:

Someone with tonsillitis is not a tonsillitis; it means they have tonsillitis—people are more than their illnesses. If someone has bipolar disorder, they don’t become bipolar; rather, it is better to say they have ‘bipolar disorder’. By recognizing yourself first as a person beyond your illness, you pave the way for others to perceive you in the same light.

• Let go of labelling:

Someone who likes to clean could be a clean freak and not have OCD. Someone who is afraid might not have a phobia. Just because someone is hyperactive does not mean they have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

• Don’t take it personally

Most discrimination comes from people who don’t understand or have little or no experience with mental illness. Try to consider it their problem, not yours.

• Share your journey (if you feel like)

The more mental illness remains in the backstage, the more people think it must be something to be ashamed of. A lot of times, celebrities or influential people have come forward and talked about their experiences.

People speaking out can have a positive impact on this journey of breaking stigmas.

• Show empathy and compassion:

Your small acts of kindness and compassion go a long way for people experiencing mental health problems. If anyone close to you is going through difficult times, listen to them, validate their experiences, and offer a shoulder if you want.

• Join a support group

Support groups are formed to show solidarity, and it also increases the confidence of people grappling with mental health conditions. It makes them feel that they are not alone in this journey of progress. Often, support groups have resources that may help educate family members and others about such conditions.

Remember, this is a collective journey. It may take some effort to change the year old perspective, but the contributions can help reduce the stigma that people with mental health conditions face. With our constant efforts, patience, and compassion, we can make the world a better place for people living with mental health conditions.