Your Role in Ending Mental Health Stigma: Steps You Can Take Today

Understanding Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma manifests as negative beliefs and prejudices about individuals with mental health concerns. Stigmas are pervasive across various domains, including race, gender, sexuality, politics, income, and education. Stigmatization of those with mental health issues can occur publicly, privately, and systemically.

Public stigma involves overt expressions, such as calling someone “crazy” for talking to themselves or implied policies requiring employees to seek drug rehabilitation. Privately, individuals might internalize negative beliefs, viewing themselves as incompetent or unworthy. Systemic stigma is reflected in the lack of financial resources or accessible services for mental health care. Combined, these forms of stigma lead to discrimination and rejection of those with mental health diagnoses.

Barriers to Mental Health Recovery

Stigma creates significant barriers to recovery, rooted in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Prejudice often stems from assumptions rather than facts. Educating ourselves with factual knowledge can help break this cycle. A shift in attitude is also crucial.

According to a 2019 APA study, nearly half of Americans are unwilling to date someone with a mental health diagnosis, a third fear them, and many report a negative change in perspective upon learning someone has a mental health issue. Such attitudes exacerbate the struggles faced by individuals with mental health concerns, especially when compounded by systemic barriers like poor access to care. For instance, Louisiana ranks 36th out of 51 states in mental health care access, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.

Myths Perpetuating Stigma

Several myths perpetuate mental health stigma. Here are some common misconceptions and the truths that debunk them:

1. Mental health doesn’t affect me: Mental health issues are widespread, with 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experiencing significant mental health episodes annually. Suicide was the leading cause of death in 2020 (increased from 2019) and it is the second leading cause of death for teens and young adults.
2. My child doesn’t have mental health issues: Early signs of mental health problems often appear before age 14, with 75% of diagnoses occurring by age 24.
3. People with mental health concerns are violent: Only 3-5% of violent acts are attributed to those with mental health issues. In reality, they are ten times more likely to be victims of violence.
4. People with mental health concerns cannot hold down a job: With proper treatment, individuals with mental health conditions are productive and reliable workers.
5. Mental health issues are a sign of weakness: Mental health conditions result from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
6. You can’t recover from mental health issues: Numerous research-based treatments enable people to lead fulfilling lives.
7. Therapy and self-help are a waste of time when a pill will do: Treatment is highly individualized, often involving a combination of therapy and medication.
8. I can’t do anything for a person with a mental health issue: Support from friends and family is crucial for recovery.
9. It is impossible to prevent a mental health issue from happening: By reducing risk factors and promoting well-being, we can lessen the likelihood of mental health problems.

Breaking the Cycle of Stigma

Breaking the cycle of mental health stigma involves gaining factual knowledge, changing attitudes, and adopting supportive behaviors. Here are actionable steps to help dismantle stigma:

1. Create a supportive environment: Begin with setting positive behavioral expectations in your home. Establish clear, healthy guidelines for communication and behavior that promote mutual respect and understanding. This foundational step helps cultivate an atmosphere of support and compassion, essential for mental well-being.
2. Access resources: Familiarize yourself with local mental health services and support lines. Speak with your insurance representative to understand coverage and procedures. Identify contact numbers for local resources, such as the Crisis Life Line, COPE Line, and VIA Link, which are free and available 24/7, offering a list of affordable mental health services. Being prepared with this information ensures you can quickly access support when needed.
3. Recognize early warning signs: The most common indicator is a noticeable change in a person’s behavior. When someone acts differently than usual, it’s important to take the time to stop, connect, and show care. By recognizing these signs early, you can offer support and help prevent further distress.
4. Use accepting language: Avoid labels and recognize individuals beyond their mental health issues. Be mindful of how you refer to someone: instead of “Joe, the alcoholic,” say “Joe, who seems to drink too much,” or “Jane is having a tough time,” rather than “Crazy Jane.” This approach respects their identity, which is crucial for healing self-stigmatization and building self-esteem and efficacy. By using accepting language, you contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
5. Support those with mental health concerns: Encourage engagement with mental health professionals. Promote regular self-care. Foster connections with trusted friends and family for emotional support. Advocate participation in support groups, both in-person and online, to build a supportive network. These actions help create a nurturing environment that aids in recovery and reduces isolation.

Path to Recovery

We recognize that mental and emotional distress impacts us when our daily interactions suffer. If you don’t experience this, challenging your stigmatizing beliefs is the best way you can help.

For those who do face mental health concerns, here are some daily practices to support your well-being:

• Stay engaged with your mental health treatment team.
• Prioritize daily self-care with courage.
• Connect with trusted friends and family.
• Identify yourself as more than your diagnosis.
• Join online support groups like those from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
• Advocate for your well-being in every interaction.

A mental health diagnosis can be a stepping stone to recovery. Mental health professionals assess and treat emotional and mental concerns similarly to how a primary care physician addresses physical health issues. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Recognize your identity beyond your diagnosis advocate for your overall well-being, and seek help promptly. Contact us to begin your healing journey.

What else should you know about understanding and breaking mental health stigma?

Watch family and marriage therapist Susan Harrington, founder of Maison Vie, talks about how we can all work to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. You can also contact Maison Vie to see how Susan can help guide you through counseling sessions.