How To Overcome Mental Health Stigma & Discrimination

Across the globe, over 70% of people with a mental health condition never receive treatment. Many of these individuals avoid treatment due to mental illness stigma.

The term stigma refers to negative attitudes and beliefs toward people with mental health disorders, such as the belief that schizophrenia makes you dangerous or depression makes you weak.

If you or someone you love has a mental illness, stigma can cause significant distress. However, it does not have to control your life. Here are the most effective ways to overcome stigma.

Educate Yourself & Others

The more you learn about stigma, the easier it is to overcome.

First, recognize that stigma has nothing to do with you. It simply reflects society’s lack of understanding about mental illness. People often fear what they don’t understand, leading to hurtful and negative beliefs. When you understand the root of stigma, it becomes less painful.

Types Of Stigma

You should also learn about the different types of stigma.

These include:

• public stigma, which refers to the stigma held by the general public
• institutional stigma, which refers to stigma held by governments, organizations, and other institutions
• self-stigma, which refers to the internalized shame held by many people with mental health problems

All forms of stigma can worsen a person’s mental health issues. You can help fight stigma by educating your friends and family members about it.

Words Matter

If someone you know makes an offensive joke about mental illness or uses stigmatizing language (such as “crazy” or “insane”), remind them that their words matter. Even if they mean no harm, people who talk this way are contributing to the stigma of mental illness.

Finally, remind yourself and those around you that mental illness is no different from any other illness. It’s not the person’s fault, and it requires treatment.

Take Care Of Yourself

The impact of stigma can take a serious toll on your well-being. That’s why it’s important to practice self-care.

Some of the best ways to practice self-care include:

• getting at least seven hours of sleep per night
• exercising on a regular basis
• eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods
• spending time in nature
• journaling
• meditating

Along with strengthening your mental health, these strategies boost your self-esteem and quality of life. When you feel healthy and fulfilled, it’s much easier to navigate the negative effects of stigma.

Self-care also improves your confidence. This confidence can help you challenge any stigmatizing misconceptions voiced by the people in your life. As mentioned above, educating others is an essential part of fighting stigma.

Seek Support

To avoid stigma, some people with mental illness self-isolate, especially if they have highly stigmatized illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Unfortunately, isolation only makes your mental health worse. It also leaves you more vulnerable to the effects of stigma. When you’re alone, it’s easy to get wrapped up in stigma-induced fears, such as the fear that you’re lazy or unable to recover.

If you truly want to overcome stigma, you must reach out to loved ones, healthcare professionals, and other supportive people.

Mental Health Support Groups

You should also consider attending a mental health support group.

Available in-person and online, these groups allow you to discuss your experience of mental illness and stigma in a safe, understanding environment. You can also learn how other people cope with negative stereotypes.

In addition, you may form close friendships that help you feel connected and strong despite stigma.

Share Your Story

For decades, the fear of stigma prevented countless individuals from sharing their experiences with mental illness. In recent years, though, people have started opening up about their struggles.

This openness plays an essential role in ending stigma. That’s because it disrupts the idea of mental illness as a shameful secret. It also helps people see just how common mental health conditions are.

Indeed, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five U.S. adults have a mental illness.

Talk To People Or Share Online

If you feel comfortable, start discussing your mental illness with the people in your life.

You might even want to post about your experiences on social media. While you may feel nervous, your story could help other people feel less alone. It may even help pull someone out of a dark place.

Once you share your story, don’t be surprised if people open up to you in return. Since your openness helps shatter the shame surrounding mental illness, it will encourage others to discuss their own experiences.

Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today

To learn more about mental health treatment, please reach out to Bedrock Recovery Center. Our compassionate healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one build a fulfilling life.