Mental Health Stigmas We Need to Break

Not too long ago, had anyone mentioned seeking help from a therapist or a psychiatrist, probably they were shunned one way or another, if not in a way so obvious, at least they were given a puzzled look. There wasn’t much awareness of mental health and those who needed professional help had to do it very discretely, as if hiding in the dark from something so shameful. But then talks about mental health became more open, and with more people sharing stories and institutions shedding more light on mental health, how common it is, and how it is something we neither should be ashamed of or shame others for.

 

The question is why is mental health stigmatized?

The lack of understanding about what mental health is, its different conditions, and the harmful assumptions we build around those undergoing mental illness are all why mental health is stigmatized. The stigma around mental health is experienced in 3 different types.

 

Public stigma: One that is related to society’s rejection of people with mental illness.

Self-stigma: This describes how people struggling or suffering on a mental and psychological level feel about themselves.

Institutional stigma: Demonstrated in how some corporations or institutions limit the presence of people with mental illness from being part of the organization.  

 

There are a lot of stigmas around mental health and those struggling to get better.

• No, they are not just seeking attention.

• No, they are not exaggerating or making it all up.

• No, they are not ‘crazy’ or ‘insane’.

• No, their problem won’t get solved if ‘they had a walk in nature’, ‘played sports’, or ‘become more religious.

 

Now coming to the most important part. How do we break the stigma?

1. Educate yourself and others about mental wellness.

2. Choose empowerment over shame.

3. Help change the narrative around mental health.

4. Treat mental health with the same importance as physical wellness.

5. Support and show compassion to those fighting the tough battle.

 

In the end, with so many things happening around us, it is only fair that the current events would take a toll on our mental health. Remind yourself always, instead of running away from your anxiety, depression, worries, or any other thoughts and feelings, seek professional help and encourage those around you to do the same.