How You Can Join the Fight Against Mental Health Stigma
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! During this month, it’s important to not only be aware of mental health, but to also consider the various barriers to care that we still face in society. While there has been significant progress in raising awareness over these past few decades, there still exists stigma surrounding mental illness. Stigma is dangerous because it leads to misinformation and distortions around people’s perception of mental illness, and deters people from seeking the support they need to heal. Stigma is antithetical to well-being, erodes people’s self-worth, and contributes to vicious cycles of suffering. This year, let’s finally say: enough is enough!
Public Stigma
Mental health stigma can take on multiple forms: public stigma, structural stigma, and self-stigma. Public stigma refers to society’s prejudices and stereotypes that frame individuals with mental illness as dangerous, unstable, or morally flawed. These misconceptions are largely created by the media or culture that portray negative, stereotypical, and misinformed messaging around mental illness. Over time, people begin to believe these misconceptions as fact, making it difficult for people to separate it from fiction.
Structural Stigma
Structural stigma involves the policies and practices of institutions and governments that systematically disadvantage individuals with mental illness. For example, health insurance companies may neglect or reduce coverage for mental health treatment, resulting in less accessibility for those who need it.
Self-Stigma
Another less discussed, yet harmful type of stigma is self-stigma. With this, individuals internalize the negative societal attitudes discussed above, resulting in shame, guilt, and feelings of unworthiness. People might believe that their condition is due to character flaws or a personal failing on their part, rather than it being a legitimate health issue. This type of stigma can be detrimental, leading people to hide their condition out of shame rather than seek treatment. For many people, the fear of being judged or labeled can be more daunting than the symptoms themselves!
How You Can Make a Difference
No matter how small, individual actions by everyday people can make a huge difference in combatting mental health stigma. It will require each of us to contribute to creating a culture that supports mental health, rather than shames it.
Speak Openly and Honestly About Mental Health
One of the most powerful ways to reduce stigma is to talk openly about mental health in your everyday life. It can be sharing your own experiences or showing curiosity and compassion when someone else shares theirs. When we treat mental health struggles as part of the human experience instead of shameful secrets, we create safe spaces for people to feel like they belong. This doesn’t have to be complicated, and can even look like asking your friend, “how are you really doing?”
Educate Others and Yourself
Stigma often stems from misinformation or a lack of exposure to mental health knowledge. Take some time to learn more about mental health, mental illness, and what it can be like for people who struggle with mental health conditions. Make sure you look for verified content written by mental health professionals, researchers, or by people with lived experience in order to prevent misinformation. Then, gently correct others with the facts when they speak from bias or misinformation. For example, say someone expresses that people with depression are just “lazy.” You might respond by explaining that depression is a valid mental health condition that affects energy and motivation, which can make even routine tasks feel overwhelming for someone.
Be Respectful
Language matters! Be sure you are being courteous and respectful with your language when engaging in discussions about mental health. Person-first or person-centered language is considered the standard when addressing people who may struggle with mental illness because it helps affirm the dignity of individuals living with these conditions. For example, instead of calling someone ”bipolar,” you should say they “have bipolar disorder.” This may seem small, but it can really help others not feel defined by their diagnosis. It also helps people see that a mental health condition is not their identity, but just one aspect of their lived experience. And please avoid derogatory slang or the casual misuse of psychiatric terms. Do not say phrases like “you’re psycho” or “I’m OCD about ___.”
Challenge or Refuse to Entertain Stigmatizing Media
Movies, TV shows, and social media can often sensationalize or grossly misrepresent mental illness. Our attention is power, and we oftentimes pay with what we choose to entertain. When you see a harmful depiction of mental illness, consider making the choice to look elsewhere and support other media. Additionally, you can help promote media you find that portrays powerful, healing, and beneficial examples of mental health. And if you feel inclined to take the next step, you can advocate by writing a respectful critique or letter to educate creators on the dangers of mental health misrepresentation.
Support the People in Your Life
We all struggle from time to time – it’s human. If someone in your circle is struggling with their mental health, offer genuine, nonjudgmental support. While you may think it’s helpful, oftentimes it’s best to avoid offering unsolicited advice or invalidating responses like “just try to be happy” or “you have nothing to worry about.” A listening ear can be so powerful. Next time a friend or loved one is going through a tough time, try offering a simple “I’m here for you” and listen to their experience. If needed, encourage people to seek professional mental health support.
Advocate, Advocate, Advocate!
Silence feeds stigma; your voice matters! Use your voice to advocate for mental health equity and awareness in your environment. This could be at school, workplace, or local community. Support legislation that improves access to mental health care. Encourage your employer to prioritize mental wellness by offering mental health days or employee assistance programs. Public demand and increased advocacy has the power to change public policy. Petition, organize a letter-writing campaign to representatives, or participate in organizing your own local events. All of this can help change your environment to be one that is more accepting of mental health conditions. Now, imagine how the world would change if we all did this!
Model Healthy Mental Health Practices
Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to promote change and reduce stigma. Work on maintaining your own mental well-being so you can show up to your spaces actively and intentionally. Practice common mental health hygiene such as setting appropriate boundaries, seeking therapy as needed, and developing your own emotional self-awareness. When others see you taking care of your mental health, they are more likely to feel empowered to do so too!
Important Mental Health Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential emotional support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support via text message for anyone in crisis.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline offers free, 24/7 confidential help in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.
Psychology Today is one of the best resources for finding licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers. You can search by ZIP code, insurance, and specialty.
Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, NQTTCN and Inclusive Therapists are all resources that offer culturally-responsive, gender-and-sexuality-affirming mental health provider directories designed to support BIPOC, minority, and sex and gender diverse communities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers peer-led support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for individuals and families.
Veterans Crisis Line offers free, 24/7 confidential support for veterans and their families.
The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
211 connects people with local health and social service resources, including mental health services.
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