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September is Suicide Prevention Month. Be aware of your own personal emotional health, and be a good source of comfort and communication for those you care about. The first challenge in preventing suicide may be identifying the underlying reasons that someone may consider suicide as an option: The stigma associated with seeking care.

The Harm of Mental Health Stigma and How To Fight Back

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, it’s common to feel different than other people or to feel like no one else understands.

Many people are afraid to share with coworkers because they worry that they are afraid of being judged, or worse, that they could lose their job.

Even friends and family are often left in the dark, unaware of how symptoms of conditions such as depression and PTSD affect our daily lives.

If you find yourself in a situation such as these, then you may have experienced stigma surrounding mental health. Stigma is an unfair mark of shame placed upon people with mental health issues, and one that we often place on ourselves.

What Is the Stigma Related to Mental Health?

Stigma, as it relates to mental health, is when people who experience mental health disorders are viewed or view themselves in a negative light.

Mental health stigma can either be public stigma, self-stigma, or a combination of the two.

Public stigma includes stereotypes and discrimination held by the general population. A person can adopt public stigma and hold negative beliefs even before developing a mental health condition.

Stereotypes include beliefs that people are responsible for their mental health issues or that those with mental health conditions are more likely to be dangerous.

Common forms of discrimination include denying someone housing or turning down someone for a job based on their mental health.

Self-stigma happens when someone with a mental health disorder applies negative public views to themselves. They observe others’ negative attitudes. Often, they believe they are unworthy or should be able to control their symptoms through willpower.

When someone takes on beliefs like these, it’s easy for them to feel isolated, misunderstood, or that they’re the underdog. They may hesitate to apply for housing, get medical care, and participate in community activities.

What is the Family’s Role in Mental Health Stigma?

Family members can also experience stigma, both real and perceived. It’s common to fear that society or people in our communities will blame us for causing a loved one’s condition or will reject our family socially.

Family members may internalize public stigma and blame themselves. This can lead to social isolation and resistance to reaching out for help.

In family dynamics, it’s important that stigma and its rippling effects be addressed.

Approximately 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. Even if half of a family experiences a mental health disorder, the whole family feels its impacts.

How Does Gender Impact Mental Health Stigma?

Many societies expect men to be tough and to hide their emotions. This expectation means men are far less likely to seek help than women, but also have increased rates of depression and suicide. The typical male trait of “Aiming for Perfection” can lead to a fear of failure, thereby making them less prone to facing a challenge.

Women are often expected to show traditional feminine traits, such as gentleness and emotionality. Actually, women are “Counter-Phobic”, in that they rush to address their fear. They are criticized for being “hysterical,” but also for displaying traditional masculine traits, such as competitiveness or aggression.

Women are also often judged more harshly for struggling with issues related to addiction, such as substance use and gambling. These conditions are linked—unfairly—to men.

Women with children can fear being labeled unfit mothers if they are experiencing depression or anxiety.

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Mental Health in the Media: TV, Movies, and More

News, television programs, and films often show people with mental health conditions as dangerous. Research shows news outlets are more likely to cover dramatic crimes committed by people with mental health disorders instead of similar crimes done by those who are not formally diagnosed.

When considering violence and mental health issues, studies indicate those with mental health disorders are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence. The vast majority of people with mental health disorders are not violent, not criminal, and not dangerous.

Common media portrayals of people with mental health struggles include, but are not limited to:

• Being homicidal or extremely dangerous
• Being “psychopaths” or “maniacs”
• Being responsible for their condition or behaviors related to their condition

Irresponsible media portrayals include coverage of mental health challenges, such as depression and suicide, without discussion of struggles that led to suicidal behavior or education about what to do if someone is struggling.

Members of the media can be strong allies in fighting stigma. Programs connecting mental health educators with journalists can get topics covered accurately.

The media can educate the public on facts about mental health. They can reduce stigma by sharing stories of everyday people with mental health challenges.

There’s a silver lining to having so much media readily available to us. Folks are starting to use it as a way to destigmatize mental health conversations. From educational webinars to story submissions, people are turning to social media and their social circles to help debunk long-standing false impressions of mental health.

What You Can Do To Help Reduce Mental Health Stigma

Researchers have identified three ways to combat stigma:

• Educate yourself and others about mental health conditions
• Protest against unfair depictions of mental health
• Interact with people who experience mental health disorders

Although the media contributes to mental health stigma, it can also spread awareness and positive messages.

There are many organizations focused on making the topic of mental health understandable by the general public. There are also groups who work with individuals and organizations to train them to help individuals who are in crisis.

Politicians, athletes, and other celebrities who are open about their struggles can reduce stigma.

Social media plays an important role in the stigma of mental health.

Misconceptions and stereotypes spread on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

What else can spread on social media? Empowering messages and support. A 2020 study of Twitter messages found that displays of support were more prominent than displays of stigma.

One of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is connecting with others who have mental health conditions. Such connections can take place through presentations given by volunteers in schools or community centers.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has developed several programs in which people can share stories in this way.

The ultimate platform for de-stigmatizing mental health issues is your local church.  Showing the way to understanding that someone is never alone in their struggle is a healthy start to facing the emotional roadblocks to a happy life.

It’s worth noting that people who discuss mental health challenges or talk about being in therapy can be profoundly influential. This openness can help others who may feel like they need support or an ally.

Seven Ways You Can Stamp Out Stigma

1. Don’t let stigma prevent you from getting the help you deserve. If you need help, contact a licensed professional or a pastor. Do not be afraid to let others know that you have sought help.
2. Consider joining a support group. It can be normalizing to talk with others who have the same experiences.
3. Reach out to people you trust who can help support you through mental health struggles. You may be surprised by how your sharing can help other people open up about their own challenges.
4. Own your experience. As much as it is safe to do so, be authentic. Speaking up in social situations or on social media can be empowering—for yourself and for others.
5. Educate yourself on mental health topics. Learn the facts about mental health. You can develop understanding and compassion for yourself and educate others.
6. Be mindful of your language. You are not your condition. Use person-first language. For example, instead of saying “I am bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder” or “I live with bipolar disorder.”
7. Let people know the language they use affects attitudes about mental health. If you notice insensitive media coverage, write to the media outlet. If you can’t find the right person to reach out to on their website, you can always reach out to them on social media. Be respectful—many people are not trying to be insensitive. They may just be uninformed.

While the impact of stigma can weigh heavily on many, we can all do our part to help lessen the burden of mental health issues on others—and ourselves.