Enough with the Stigma on Mental Health!

Battling Stigma:

Barriers to Achieving Optimal Mental Health

If you told someone with a Mental Illness to just be happy, that would be like telling a Cancer Patient to cure themselves!

"Think Happy Thoughts."

"Just be Positive."

"Get over it."

These are all typical things that are told to people with Mental Illness.  Although the intentions behind these comments may be good, they

just

do 

not 

help.

Mental illness, including situational depression or anxiety along with diagnosed chronic disorders, can cause a multitude of debilitating symptoms.  Aside from those symptoms, there is often a social or personal stigma attached to the label of mental illness.  Confronting stigma can be a critical factor when seeking help or disclosing personal information to family, friends, or colleagues.  The stigma surrounding mental illness has been created by a lack of education, lack of advocacy, and widespread stereotyping of those suffering from mental illness.

After surveying over 1000 adults with depression, it was reported that more than 75% have encountered discrimination.  It is also reported that a significant number of respondents refrained from participating in important events or activities because they fear discrimination based on their mental health.  

Social stigma, internalized stigma, and fear of discrimination are barriers to achieving optimal mental health.  These barriers can be fought by correcting stereotypes, being mindful of the language used when addressing mental illness, participating in mental health advocacy groups, education, and seeking help from support groups or mental health professionals. It is important to remember that mental illness is a serious legitimate condition which deserves the same recognition that physical illnesses receive, therefore individuals should seek treatment.

Just as a Cancer patient needs professional and medical help, so does someone with Mental Illness.

Written by: Amanda Furca, Graduate Level Intern and Charity Loring, LMSW, Loring Therapy LLC

loringtherapy.com

Adapted from The Lancet Journal article, “Depression and Stigma: From Attitudes to Discrimination,” by Anthony F. Jorm and Nicola J. Reavley.  Published in 2013, (Volume 381, Issue 9860).