Mental Illness: Understanding Stigma

Most people living with mental illness have been blamed for their condition at some point in their lives. Their symptoms have been referred to as a “phase”, something they could control “if they simply tried hard enough”, or something they could “snap out of” easily.

They are most likely to be denied things that define a decent life, such as stable employment, secure housing, adequate health care, and belonging to a diverse group of people. They have also been subjected to unlawful discrimination for which they have received no justice. Stigma wields an unmanageable power in this way.

Understanding the stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions that surround mental health, and particularly mental illness, as well as why they exist, can help us address, if not eliminate, the problem.

Understanding Stigma

Stigma is a severe and often unjust negative attitude toward a person or group that shames them for a perceived flaw or distinction in their existence.

It is caused by a lack of knowledge (ignorance), a negative attitude (prejudice), and individuals acting in ways that harm the stigmatized person (discrimination). It can be expressed subtly or blatantly. Regardless, stigma has the potential to harm people for the rest of their lives.

Types of Stigma

There are three types of stigma that have been identified by researchers:

• Self-stigma is defined as an internal form of stigma in which a person has negative attitudes or feelings of shame about their illness.

• Public stigma refers to negative attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward people suffering from mental illnesses.

• Institutional stigma is more systematic, involving government and private-sector practices that limit opportunities for individuals with mental illnesses, whether intentional or otherwise. While public stigma affects individuals or smaller groups, systemic stigma affects large groups of people.

Source: Adapted from Corrigan, et al.

The media also contributes to the stigma by portraying misconceptions and inaccurate stereotypes about people living with mental illnesses. For instance, in media depictions, the villain is frequently a character with mental illness. They are, “homicidal maniacs” who should be feared; they are rebellious, free spirits; or they have childlike perceptions of the world that should be marveled at.

The notion that people living with mental illnesses are violent or dangerous is frequently politicized when in fact only a small proportion of people who have mental illnesses actually engage in aggressive behavior.

Aside from the stigma that people living with mental illnesses face, they are also stereotyped or labeled into one category. Stereotypes are generalized or simplified ideas or representations of entire groups of people that are often incorrect, unpleasant, and harmful, and can lead to stigma. They enable people to make snap judgments about others based on a few distinguishing characteristics that they then apply to the entire group.

People living with depression, for example, are frequently labeled as “sluggish” or a “burden”, whereas those living with schizophrenia are labeled as “crazy”. None of these descriptions are correct, and they all mislead people, causing misery and preventing them from receiving the necessary treatment.

Stigma can also:

• Reduce self-esteem

• Worsen psychiatric problems

• Affect your chances of getting a job, going to school, or participating in any social activity.

• Give you the mindset that you'll never succeed at particular tasks or that you'll never be able to better your circumstances.

• And many more...

How can we help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness?

There are a few things we can all do as a community or as individuals to help combat both social and self-perceived stigma surrounding mental illness.

Educate

Take advantage of learning opportunities to educate yourself and others about the prevalence of mental illness, and speak out against stigma. Respond to misunderstandings or unfavorable remarks with facts and/or personal experiences. When a friend or family member makes a disparaging remark about someone living with a mental illness, educate them. Ignorance should not be tolerated.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Be conscious of your language

Our words and language have a great deal of influence. It has a great impact on others, whether they are positive or negative. With that said, when we characterize people living with mental illness, we should avoid using derogatory terms such as psycho, retarded, or insane.

Saying “I have Bipolar” rather than “I am Bipolar” and “A person experiencing psychosis” rather than “Psychotic” are a few examples of this as well. Their diagnosis is not the defining factor of their identity. Their personality, talents, skills, and compassion are their defining traits – not their illness. Viewing someone (or yourself) as their diagnosis reduces the complexity of their experience.

We should also avoid making statements that undercut or invalidate a person's emotions, such as "you'll get over it if you just try hard enough," or lecturing them about the value of life while ignoring what they're going through because this sends the message that their mental health isn't a priority and may discourage them from reaching out again for fear of rejection.

Words matter a lot so we have to be conscious of what we say and react.

Be kind and compassionate

Mental illness presents itself in a variety of ways and degrees of severity, making it difficult to manage for those who are affected. Some people, however, can be highly functional while also being ill. Everyone is different. With that said, be kind to everyone you know or meet because there’s no knowing what they might be going through.

Do not isolate yourself. Find support

Many people living with mental illness withdraw from society. If it is at all possible, avoid going into hiding! There are a few people out there who lives with a mental illness, so you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. Reaching out for help to people you trust can be frightening, but it is critical to stay connected with others and receive the treatment you require. Talking about your mental health issues, especially with healthcare professionals, will help you on your path to recovery and a higher quality of life.

Mental illness is often imperceptible, however, this does not give you the option to ignore it. For example, an eating disorder is a physical ailment that, like diabetes, necessitates careful management. You must monitor and control your symptoms on a daily basis, just as a diabetic must monitor and control his or her blood sugar levels.

Know that a mental health diagnosis doesn’t mean that you’re going to be in therapy for the rest of your life. Recovery is achievable!

If you suspect that someone may be in a crisis or is struggling with their mental health, reach out to them as well. It’s important to let them know that there is support and there are resources available to them.

Choose empowerment over shame

Instead of feeling ashamed, choose empowerment. Take charge of your story and refuse to let others shape how you see yourself or how you feel. Accepting your condition and recognizing what you need to do to treat it, seeking help, educating others, and/or empowering those living with mental illnesses to speak up and make something positive out of their illness will help others find that power within themselves, receive treatment sooner, and face their illness head-on.

Every one of us has a role to play in creating a mentally healthy community—one that is inclusive, rejects discrimination, and supports recovery.

We cannot deny the fact that there is still societal resistance to fully accepting mental illness as a serious and life-threatening illness. However, stigma can be eventually eliminated with compassion, greater education, and awareness, one day at a time!

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS AT IMMEDIATE RISK OF SELF-HARM OR SUICIDE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

P.S You may bookmark or check my blog regularly for new tips and resources for maintaining your mental health and well-being. Thank you!

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References:

Caddell, Jenev. “How to Cope with Stigma When You Have a Mental Illness.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 3 July 2020, https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-illness-and-stigma-2337677

Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Illness.” Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Illness - Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness

Stigma and Discrimination, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination.www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week

Haddad, Peter, and Isabelle Haddad. “Mental Health Stigma - Psychopharmacology.” Mental Health Stigma, 3 Mar. 2015, https://www.bap.org.uk/articles/mental-health-stigma/

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