CMHR Blog
- CMHR Blog
- July 2023
- Mental Health
Topic of the Day
Mental Illness and Ending the Stigma : By Kyle St James
July 2023
Sixty percent of people with mental health issues or illnesses will not seek help due to a fear of being labeled. Being labeled like this can create a form of discrimination known as a stigma.There are different types of stigma, such as self-stigma. This is where people internalize a negative attitude about their own mental health, resulting in acceptance of poor treatment from others, negative coping methods, secrecy, and withdrawal. There is also
Impact of stigma related to mental illness:
Workplace stigma, and maybe this is something you’ve experienced yourself. Perhaps a coworker wants to discuss their mental health but fears they will be removed from their position at work. Dealing with mental health issues and fearing to discuss them can cause the quality of work and home life to decline. However, through understanding and discussion without fear, can we truly make a difference!
Misunderstanding and stigma regarding mental illness often results in reluctance to seek help for mental health issues. Individuals with mental illness are vulnerable and fear being judged by others. Mental illness stigma is something that persists throughout our society and negatively impacts the lives of many people suffering with mental illness.
Impact of stigma related to mental illness:
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● Reluctance to seek help or treatment
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● Lack of understanding by family, friends, coworkers, and others
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● Less opportunities for work, schooling, social activities, possible trouble finding a house
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● Bullying, physical violence, or harassment
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● The belief that you’ll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can’t improve your
situation.
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● People with mental health problems are dangerous, incompetent, or are to blame for
their disorders
How stigma can affect one's outlook on work and relationships.
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● It will reduce hope and lower self-esteem.
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● Can be the cause of Increased psychiatric symptoms.
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● Could reduce likelihood of continuing with treatments.
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● Can cause difficulties with social relationships.
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● As well as contributing to more difficulties at work.
Mental health stigma leaves individuals fearful that their world will change for the worse if they are found out. The perception is that disclosing mental health issues to employers means that the individual may not be hired, landlords may not allow them to rent, or the healthcare
system may offer a lower standard of care. Misleading or inaccurate media representation adds to the way people view mental health issues. At the end of the day, it can be hard to talk about mental health problems with peers, family, or even a physician for fear of being judged as weak or a “complainer”.What can you do to help?
There are a few ways you can help reduce the stigma regarding mental illness. Here are some examples:
Talk openly about mental illness and be a part of the conversation. Don’t listen to judge; listen to understand.-
● Educate yourself and others. There is a lot of information out there that may help reduce and support these issues. Only by talking about it with others in a safe way can we really help.
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● Be conscious of your language. It can be easy to say something you don’t mean. Individuals with mental illness are vulnerable and may feel stigmatized. Rephrasing sentences, choosing kind words, and interacting with empathy in a nonjudgmental manner may encourage an individual to seek the help they need.
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● Encouraging equality is important. People with mental health issues may feel unequal in certain situations. This may lead to further problems, such as exacerbating depression or anxiety. We need to be understanding and welcoming to encourage equality.
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● Sometimes, just listening and showing compassion when we interact with someone affected by mental illness or related stigma can help them in the moment. Maybe they just need someone to listen. By being that person, you are, in turn, being compassionate and helping a fellow human being in need.
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● Be aware of how the media stigmatizes mental health. Most movies and television programs that depict people with mental illnesses and disorders do so in an extreme manner rather than the norm. Many people are afraid to talk about mental health issues but that doesn't mean they’re going to lash out or cause problems. The negative way the media portrays mental health issues often creates the stigma that causes people to hide or deny their illness and refuse treatment.
● Most importantly, don't be afraid to be who you are. It’s okay to be you! Mental health is part of your overall health but sometimes help is necessary. You shouldnt be made to feel uncomfortable for seeking help and understanding. So be you!
For further information I encourage you to check out this Short Ted Talk on mental health stigma. https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=stigma+in+mental+health&type=E211CA105G0&guccounter=1#id=4&vid=10498b0bd2d3657ee614d8784578a859&action=click
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