Despite significant advancements in understanding and treating mental health conditions, stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help. Many individuals hesitate to reach out for support due to fears of judgment, discrimination, and misunderstanding. Here, we will explore the origins of this stigma, its impact, and practical steps we can take to overcome it. Together, we can create a culture where seeking mental health help is seen as a sign of strength and self-care.

Origins of Mental Health Stigma

• Historical Misconceptions

  Historically, mental health conditions were misunderstood and often associated with negative stereotypes. Some of these misconceptions have persisted, contributing to ongoing stigma (Hinshaw, 2007). Studies show that many people still hold negative attitudes towards individuals with mental health issues, viewing them as dangerous or unpredictable (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).

• Cultural Influences

  Cultural attitudes towards mental health can vary widely. In some cultures, mental health issues are seen as a sign of weakness or personal failure (Gary, 2005). For example, in Chinese culture, mental illness is often seen as a source of weakness that will bring shame to the family; individuals may avoid seeking help due to fear of discrimination and social exclusion (Yang et al., 2007).

• Media Representation

  The portrayal of mental health in the media often reinforces negative stereotypes, depicting individuals with mental health issues as dangerous or unstable (Stuart, 2006).

Impact of Stigma

• Hesitation to Seek Help

  Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need, leading to untreated conditions that can worsen over time. Studies show that perceived stigma is a significant barrier to mental health service utilization (Clement et al., 2015).

• Isolation and Shame

  The fear of being judged can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, exacerbating mental health issues.

• Barrier to Treatment

  Other than being a barrier to seeking help, stigma can also influence the quality of care individuals receive, with healthcare providers potentially harbouring unconscious biases that affect treatment (Corrigan, 2004).

Steps to Overcome Stigma

1. Education and Awareness

• Inform Yourself and Others

  Learn about mental health conditions, their prevalence, and treatment options. Sharing accurate information helps dispel myths and promote understanding. Education has been shown to reduce stigma and increase willingness to seek help (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).

• Promote Open Conversations

  Encourage discussions about mental health in your community, workplace, and social circles. Evidence shows that open conversations can normalize mental health issues and reduce stigma (Vogel et al., 2007).

2. Personal Advocacy

• Share Your Story

  If you feel comfortable, sharing your own experiences with mental health can be a powerful way to combat stigma. A global survey study found that personal stories highlight that mental health issues are common and can affect anyone, sharing them help normalise our universal human experience (Thornicroft et al., 2008).

• Support Others

  Offer support and understanding to those around you who may be struggling. A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference.

3. Seek Professional Help

• Prioritize Your Well-Being

  Recognize that seeking help is a crucial step in taking care of your mental health. Psychological treatment, psychotherapy, and medication are effective treatments that can improve your quality of life.

• Confidentiality and Trust

  Remember that mental health professionals are trained to provide confidential, non-judgmental support. Building a trusting relationship with a therapist / psychologist can create a safe space for healing (Wampold, 2015).

4. Challenge Negative Perceptions

• Confront Stigmatizing Language

  Address and challenge stigmatizing language and attitudes when you encounter them. Educate others about the harm that stigma can cause.

• Advocate for Change

  Support policies and initiatives that promote mental health awareness and access to care. Advocacy can lead to systemic changes that reduce stigma at a broader level.

5. Utilize Support Systems

• Join Support Groups

  Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Peer support groups offer a platform to share and learn from one another (Mead et al., 2001).

• Lean on Loved Ones

  Reach out to friends and family for support. Loved ones can provide emotional backing and help you navigate the process of seeking professional help (Reinke et al., 2004).

6. Promote Mental Health in the Workplace

• Create a Supportive Environment

  Encourage your workplace to adopt mental health-friendly policies. This can include mental health days, employee assistance programs, and mental health training.

• Lead by Example

  If you’re in a leadership position, model healthy behaviours by prioritizing your own mental health and supporting your team in doing the same.

Overcoming the stigma of seeking mental health help is a collective effort that requires education, advocacy, and empathy. By challenging misconceptions, promoting open conversations, and supporting one another, we can create a culture where seeking mental health support is seen as a courageous and positive step. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness but a vital aspect of overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can break the barriers of stigma and foster a community of understanding and support that builds resilience.

If you need support or have questions about mental health, our practice is here to help. Contact us at Ambertree Psychology to learn how we can support your journey to wellness. We can work with you at our clinic in Carlton or via telehealth.

References:

• Andrade, L. H., Alonso, J., Mneimneh, Z., Wells, J. E., Al-Hamzawi, A., Borges, G., ... & Kessler, R. C. (2014). Barriers to mental health treatment: results from the WHO World Mental Health surveys. Psychological Medicine, 44(6), 1303-1317.

• Clement, S., Schauman, O., Graham, T., Maggioni, F., Evans-Lacko, S., Bezborodovs, N., ... & Thornicroft, G. (2015). What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies. Psychological Medicine, 45(1), 11-27.

• Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614.

• Corrigan, P. W., Morris, S. B., Michaels, P. J., Rafacz, J. D., & Rüsch, N. (2012). Challenging the public stigma of mental illness: a meta-analysis of outcome studies. Psychiatric Services, 63(10), 963-973.

• Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16.

• Dimoff, J. K., & Kelloway, E. K. (2019). Leaders’ personalities and their behaviors: Implications for occupational health. Occupational Health Science, 3(3), 281-305.

• Gary, F. A. (2005). Stigma: Barrier to mental health care among ethnic minorities. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 26(10), 979-999.

• Henderson, C., Noblett, J., Parke, H., Clement, S., Caffrey, A., Gale-Grant, O., ... & Thornicroft, G. (2013). Mental health-related stigma in health care and mental health-care settings. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(6), 467-482.

• Hinshaw, S. P. (2007). The mark of shame: Stigma of mental illness and an agenda for change. Oxford University Press.

• Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27(1), 363-385.

• Mead, S., Hilton, D., & Curtis, L. (2001). Peer support: A theoretical perspective. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 25(2), 134.

• Pescosolido, B. A., Medina, T. R., Martin, J. K., & Long, J. S. (2010). The “backbone” of stigma: identifying the global core of public prejudice associated with mental illness. American Journal of Public Health, 100(5), 853-860.

• Reinke, R. R., Corrigan, P. W., Leonhard, C., Lundin, R. K., & Kubiak, M. A. (2004). Examining two aspects of contact on the stigma of mental illness. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 23(3), 377-389.

• Stuart, H. (2006). Media portrayal of mental illness and its treatments: What effect does it have on people with mental illness?. CNS Drugs, 20(2), 99-106.

• Stuart, H. (2008). Fighting the stigma caused by mental disorders: past perspectives, present activities, and future directions. World Psychiatry, 7(3), 185.

• Thornicroft, G., Brohan, E., Rose, D., Sartorius, N., Leese, M., & INDIGO Study Group. (2008). Global pattern of experienced and anticipated discrimination against people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey. The Lancet, 373(9661), 408-415.

• Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., & Hackler, A. H. (2007). Perceived public stigma and the willingness to seek counseling: The mediating roles of self-stigma and attitudes toward counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(1), 40.

• Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update. World Psychiatry, 14(3), 270-277.

• Yang, L. H., et al. (2007). "Stigma of mental illness in China: the meaning and sources of stigma." The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(3), 189-194.