Recognizing and deconstructing mental health stigmas

Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes about people living with mental health conditions that stem from fear or false information. Sadly, stigma can lead to shame, and this can make it more difficult to open up and ask for help. 

While we still have a long way to go, societal attitudes about mental health have begun to shift in recent years. More people understand that mental health conditions are legitimate health concerns, not a sign of a character flaw or personal weakness. 

And yet, at least half of the people who need mental healthcare never receive professional help. People often delay or refuse support due to worries about potential discrimination or judgment. That’s why it’s so important to highlight both the subtle and obvious ways that stigma creates barriers to treatment. By having more open conversations about mental health stigma, we can improve access to life-changing care.

Examples of common mental health stigmas

Mental health concerns aren’t always visible to the outside observer — so people experiencing more subtle symptoms may face less stigma. For example, if you struggle with negative self talk and rumination, many people may not know. But you can’t necessarily look at a person and know if they’re living with a condition like depression or anxiety.

On the other hand, sometimes mental health conditions are more visible — especially when symptoms are acute. People might be more vulnerable to stigma if their symptoms are evident to others. For example, people experiencing psychosis brought on by conditions like schizophrenia may face greater bias.

Regardless of the type or severity of a person’s symptoms, the reality is that no one is completely safe from stigma. Negative attitudes about people with mental health conditions persist, and researchers have identified three different types of stigma that you may encounter:

• Public stigma is the negative attitude that others may hold about people with mental health conditions. For example, if your manager mistakenly thinks that your depression will make you lazy or unreliable, you may have trouble advancing in your career. While there are legal protections in place for this form of discrimination, it can still happen.
• Self-stigma is the internalized negative beliefs that someone with a mental health condition might hold about themselves. For example, if you have ADHD, you may have absorbed negative cultural attitudes about your diagnosis. You may falsely believe that you can’t succeed at work or school because of your condition.
• Structural stigma refers to bias against people with mental health concerns within the government or other large institutions. For example, if an organization provides less funding for mental health services than other forms of healthcare, it might be due to structural stigma.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

Why are mental health issues stigmatized?

Human beings are hardwired to fear the unfamiliar. This is a part of our evolutionary psychology intended to help us detect potential threats in our environment and keep us safe. But sometimes in modern life, this response can lead to stigma. Fear can extinguish curiosity and cause us to make assumptions about people whose mental health differs from our own. 

In addition to fear, false information and misunderstanding can also contribute to stigma. Historically, mental health concerns haven’t been well understood, and even the basic concept of mental health can vary from one culture to another. For many, the topic of mental health can be confusing — and people are more likely to be uncomfortable with things they don’t understand. 

How can stigma affect your mental health?

Mental health stigma can negatively affect a person’s well-being in a variety of ways. Research shows that being stigmatized due to a mental health concern can lead to:

• A sense of hopelessness
• Poor self-esteem
• Low self-confidence
• Trouble forming healthy relationships 
• Poorer outcomes in mental health treatment
• Professional or occupational difficulties
• A hesitancy to ask for help
• Isolation and social withdrawal
• Feeling misunderstood by friends, loved ones, or colleagues
• Increased risk of bullying, violence, or other forms of harassment

Five tips for challenging harmful stereotypes

When it comes to overcoming harmful stereotypes, we all have a role to play. Whether you’re the person in need of treatment or someone who wants to offer support, here are some tips you can use to help challenge mental health stigma when you encounter it.

1. Talk about it. Having open and honest conversations about your own mental health journey can signal to other people that it’s OK for them to do the same.
2. Learn more. Educating yourself about mental health can help you become a more informed advocate for yourself and others.
3. Call it out. If you hear someone saying something disparaging about someone with a mental health condition, interject if it feels safe. Calmly let them know that what they’re saying could be hurtful.
4. Challenge shame. If you have a mental health condition, don’t let yourself be defined by your diagnosis. While you might have some challenges, don’t forget to honor your strengths.
5. Consider your language. Thanks to increased awareness about stigma, we’ve begun to change the way we talk about mental health. So if you’re not sure of the most respectful way to say something, don’t be afraid to ask questions or do some research.

Find care with Rula

One of the most devastating aspects of stigma is that it can keep people from seeking the mental health care they deserve. While things are slowly improving, negative attitudes about mental health continue to persist. If you or someone you care about is hesitant to get mental health support, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength — not an indicator of weakness. 

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 10,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Get started with Rula today