It is estimated that more than half of those with a mental illness do not receive help for their disorder. One major reason that prevents them from seeking treatment is the stigma and fear of discrimination attached to mental illness.
It may be subtle or obvious, but prejudice against people struggling with a mental health issue and their marginalization can be harmful. Not only is it a barrier to treatment, but it can keep a person in a potentially life-threatening situation.
However, confronting stigmatization and recognizing its effects on mental health can help point the way to addressing and eliminating it.
Types of Stigmas
Stigma usually appears in three forms:
- Social (public) stigma is the disapproval or discrimination of an individual with behavioral health conditions by others. As a result, those who believe the stereotypes about them and avoid mental health treatment may experience difficulty finding work, making housing decisions, or even receiving an inferior quality of healthcare.
- Systemic stigma exists when public stigma stereotypes are represented in laws, institutions, and organizations that regulate or influence society. Systemic stigma affects large groups of people, reducing their access through policies.
- Self-stigma is the internalization of negative stereotypes. It affects one’s self-esteem and self-efficacy, which then leads to persistent doubt and hopelessness.
The Negative Effects of Stigma
The worst thing about stigmas regarding mental health is that discrimination can contribute to worsening symptoms and the reduced likelihood of receiving treatment. Effects of stigma can include:
- Diminished sense of hope
- Poorer self-esteem
- An increase in psychiatric symptoms
- Difficulties sustaining social relationships
- A reduced likelihood of remaining in treatment
- More workplace difficulties
In fact, a recent study involving more than 200 individuals with mental health issues over a two-year period found that greater self-stigma was associated with weaker recovery from their symptoms after one and two years.
Other harmful effects of stigma can include:
- Social isolation
- A lack of understanding and/or acceptance by family, friends, coworkers, or others
- Fewer opportunities for work, school, or social activities
- The threat of harassment or physical violence
- Inadequate health insurance that doesn’t cover mental illness treatment
- The pervasive belief that you cannot face certain challenges or that you cannot improve your situation
How to Eradicate Stigma
There are numerous ways that all of us can help put an end to the stigma associated with mental health challenges. The recommendations from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) include the following:
- Talk openly and positively about mental health.
- Be conscious and sensitive about language.
- Draw comparisons between physical and mental health to encourage equality
- Normalize mental health treatment, just like any other health care treatment
- Show compassion for those who are dealing with mental illness
- Reject self-stigma and choose empowerment over shame.
Best Psychiatrist in White Plains, New York
Overcoming stigma regarding mental health starts with proactive, professional therapy. At Psyhance, we recognize and value your uniqueness and strive to provide a safe space of acceptance to foster growth in all aspects of your life. We can help guide you through your stressors with a personalized treatment plan designed to help empower you on your unique journey to becoming your authentic self.
To learn more about our integrative telepsychiatry clinic and our comprehensive services, contact us at Psyhance in White Plains, New York. You can reach our founder, William da Silva, PMHNP-BC, at w.dasilva@psyhance.com or our Director of Operations Sandra Lahlou at s.lahlou@psyhance.com. You can also use our convenient online form to request an appointment and begin your journey to self-healing with us today.